Liverpool were once leading in the Premier League and were considered strong favourites to lift the title at the end of the season but what has always being considered as their nemesis has finally caught up with them. The same issue that made them lose the title in 2013/2014 has roared its ugly head again.
They have struggled since the turn of the year, especially in defence. They have been lucky to have come out unscratched before but it seems they ran out of that luck. The recent loss to Swansea seemed to have ended title pursuit, though it may be too early to make that judgement.
The Reds conceded 50 goals that season and were leading till the final weeks but lost it to Man City due to their fragile defence which has always been their undoing. And from Rafael Benitez to Brendan Rodgers and now Jurgen Klopp, the same has problem persisted.
This season they have dropped from top of the league to the fourth place and are 10 points off leaders Chelsea. This was already envisaged and expected because nothing has really been done to
prevent it.
Before Klopp succumbed to pressure to swap keepers Loris Karius was under intense scrutiny, shipping in goals, including six in two matches.
The loss of Philippe Coutinho to injury or like six weeks can also be said to have added to their woes. But the Brazilian could not produce that magical moment to get a win for his side as they slumped to a 2-3 defeat against Swansea.
Securing a top four spot is now the priority. Their next league game is at home to Chelsea and only a win can draw them back into the title, but that could be difficult now given the Blues form at the moment. Conte’s attack may be too difficult for Liverpool defence to handle.