Just How Important Could Simon Mignolet's Penalty Save Be For Liverpool Football Club?

A Special 3 Points

Everyone in football knows that a league win results in your team earning three points. These three points never change in value. Or do they? Obviously, the points awarded do not change but the meaning of these points can be different every single time - a win over a local rival is deemed more creditable than a routine win over a relegation threatened side. Despite the excitement that the start of the season provides, many supporters just want that first game to be done and dusted. A win is a win and the excitement often turns to despair for half of the league table's occupants. A supporter's absolute big wish is that, come the end of the opening day, their team can still achieve the maximum 114 points total that a perfect season can yield. So, winning on the opening day can continue the feel good factor that a solid pre season can create. The penalty save and therefore victory against Stoke kept Liverpool's proverbial sails full of momentum. Liverpool supporters in particular know how important the start of the season can be. Last year, with a new manager and a new philosophy at board room, coaching and playing level, the Reds began their campaign with a difficult away trip to West Brom, followed by visits to Anfield from Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United. These tricky opening fixtures meant Liverpool were immediately on the back foot and the ground lost at the start of the season was completely devastating to Liverpool's potential pursuit of the top four places. This time Liverpool have a (potentially) much kinder fixture list to start the season and a solid start is certainly possible - stage one vs Stoke City is complete and the Reds now need to continue that form at Villa Park and at Anfield against Manchester United. Simon Mignolet's save provides confidence and Liverpool's playing staff should be confident of picking up more victories at the start of this season.