Yesterday marked a minor anniversary.
It was two months since Liverpool dropped a point, two months of impeccable league results that may ultimately only bring them the bittersweet distinction of a record tally for a runner-up.
Since then, as they have reeled off seven straight victories, they have prospered under pressure, winning while knowing any slip-up could be fatal to their chances.
The silly accusation that they are "bottlers" is thrown less at a side with near flawless form.
Liverpool's last title challenge ended in 2014 when they gave up a 3-0 lead in nine, ridiculous minutes against Crystal Palace, a week after Steven Gerrard's infamous slip against Chelsea.
This time, like when Rafael Benitez's Reds took 31 points from the last 33 in 2008-09, they have coped with nerves altogether better.
They have needed to. Liverpool were ahead after 15 seconds in their 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield last week, but their matches have tended to be tighter and tenser than Manchester City's.
They have been level at half-time in three of their last four league games.
They have been drawing with 11 minutes remaining of three of the last six. They have gone behind in two of the last seven.
In short, they have not panicked. Perhaps because their tactics are less fast and furious, they have got better at being patient.
Certainly Jurgen Klopp has made a series of telling substitutions, bringing on his captains Jordan Henderson and James Milner to great effect at Southampton and Fabinho and Divock Origi to make a difference against Tottenham.
Milner, a Premier League winner with City, has often appeared the specialist substitute in the run-in.
That marks a difference with Benitez's team of 2009. The Spaniard had a formidable starting XI, but very little in reserve.
A comparison between title challengers - and Brendan Rodgers' side of 2013-14 looks the real anomaly because, unlike Benitez and Klopp's groups, they were defensively awful - could produce similar hard-luck stories; the side of 2009 were the first to lose only twice and not become champions. The team of 2019 have been beaten only once.
Benitez had the more potent centre-forward in Fernando Torres, and three midfielders better than any of Klopp's, although Gerrard operated ahead of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
The German has a superior goalkeeper in Alisson, finer and more attacking full-backs and, outstanding a servant as Jamie Carragher was, a still better centre-back in Virgil van Dijk.
Benitez's side were rather prosaic on the flanks. Klopp has dynamic, devastating wingers, even if Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah operate infield.
Benitez built around two banks of four. Klopp has an idiosyncratic 4-3-3 with a false nine. Each has been a formula that would have worked in most other years.
Each has had a spring surge. And, in both cases, it might not be enough.
NEWCASTLE V LIVERPOOL
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Cardiff claim they are shocked by a report that the pilot in the plane crash that killed Emiliano Sala was not qualified to fly at night. The Premier League club said they remain "deeply concerned
Cardiff 'shocked' by Sala pilot report | theScore.com
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed on Friday Cristiano Ronaldo is an injury doubt for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Ajax on April 10.
Champions League: Allegri: Cristiano Ronaldo risks missing
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Lionel Messi calls for resuming the search for missing Sala
People usually have to earn our trust before we trust them. As nice as it would be to think like he does, if most people thought that way, we would probably see a lot of wallets lying around in public places, people would not spend so much on security devices and locks for their homes and cars, and children would be allowed to roam unsupervised
Why You Should Always Trust Yourself — Purpose Fairy
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Zidane sure of Ronaldo's stay Zidane sure of Ronaldo's stay Zidane sure of Ronaldo's stay Subscribe my channel:
Juventus have announced that head coach Massimiliano Allegri will leave the club at the end of the 2018-19 season. The Italian boss' future has been in question since being dumped out of the
Juventus announce Allegri to leave this summer - global.espn.com
global.espn.com/football/juventus/story/3855818/juventus-announce-allegri-to-leave-this-summer
Juventus have announced Massimiliano Allegri will leave his post as manager at the end of the season. Allegri and the Juve board have had several meetings in the past few days over the former AC Milan boss' future, and they decided he will step down after their final match of the season away to Sampdoria on May 26.
Allegri reveals he was pushed while discussing Juventus exit
Head coach Phil Neville says England "fear no one", The Guardian reports, after their winning World Cup start. But in The Daily Telegraph Neville also demanded improvement and says his side "must do better". Neville said: "We set standards and the players have to keep meeting them. We cannot drop below those standards.
Women's Football Neville calls on Lionesses to be 'ruthless
Football: Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse. LONDON (REUTERS) - Premier League leaders Liverpool failed to fully capitalise on Manchester City's defeat the previous night as they were held 1-1 at home by Leicester City on Wednesday (Jan 30) while below them the top-four fight took another twist.
Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse - Reuters
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The reports alleged that Manchester City had broken Financial Fair Play regulations by inflating the value of a multimillion-pound sponsorship deal. and who could also soon face a transfer ban
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