Any Liverpool fan who is yet to see progress in the Brendan Rodgers needs to take a look again.
The whole club has come on leaps and bounds in the last year, particularly in the 10 months of 2013.
"Since January, I think in terms of points gained, we are in the top three in the country," said Rodgers recently.
"Hopefully that is an indication that we're doing well and that the club is in order."
Rewind to the beginning of 2012-13 and Liverpool were under a period of the unknown.
Rodgers had proved to be a success at Swansea previously, but no experience at a club anywhere near the size (and everything that comes with it) of Liverpool.
Rodgers' pragmatic approach to his tactics must be taken positively. He has changed things since coming in and allowed an education of his own footballing philosophies to benefit the team on the pitch.
From a year ago when Liverpool were holding onto the ball, playing possession-dominated pressing football to the exciting counter-attacks we've seen undo teams this season, the evolution of Rodgers' tactics is exciting to watch.
Liverpool now play more dynamically, switching formations and styles of play with each phase within the 90 minutes.
It makes the Reds more difficult to read, sending teams into a panic or a makeshift game plan.
The improvement of Liverpool's squad is a delight. In the last year we've seen upgrades to the likes of Victor Moses, Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Simon Mignolet.
I am particularly excited about the rise and rise of young Spaniard Luis Alberto, who could be that much-needed connection between our defence and attack that our central midfield of Steven Gerrard and Lucas has been criticised for this season.
Rodgers' interviews have been very positive indeed recently, but he has contained a sense of calm, taking every game as it comes.
Liverpool's dramatic progress is not an excuse to get carried away, exceed expectations for the inevitable depression when those expectations aren't met.
A superb start to the season by all accounts, but it would be dangerous to even suggest Liverpool aren't still aiming for fourth place.
A sense of realism and level-headedness is needed by all at the club - the manager, players and fans - to achieve the steady upward lift the club so desperately strives for.
Aside from Liverpool, there are a lot of teams competing for those top four positions. Arsenal are on fire right now, Tottenham are keeping up results most of the time and Manchester United will probably improve form at one stage or another.
As long as Liverpool improve their points total year-on-year, I for one am happy with that. It means one day, eventually, we'll reach the golden sky again.
Source: Metro
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