Liverpool’s race towards its first Premier League title in 29 years has hit a slow pace since the turn of the year. Consecutive 2-1 defeats against Manchester City and Wolves in the league and FA Cup have contributed immensely towards the spiral.
Liverpool struggled to a 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, before a 4-3 win against Crystal Palace. The 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the St James’s Park Stadium last week, left Premier League fans and pundits with a conclusion that it is finally Liverpool’s season, the Reds have been waiting for a title in the league since 1990.
Jurgen Klopp’s men had the opportunity to dig the gap with a victory against Leicester at Anfield, leaving Manchester City seven points behind the league leaders, but they failed to do so.
It all started well for Liverpool against Leicester when Sadio Mane finished off a brilliant team move, one would have been forgiven to think it would be a roller-coaster ride for Liverpool, however, despite numerous attempts, Leicester City equalised at the end of the first half when Harry Maguire nodded past Alisson.
Liverpool could not find a way through in the second half and should be grateful to the profligacy of Leicester city players for taking a point from the match.
The draw against Leicester popped up agonising memories of the 2008/2009 season for Liverpool fans. The Reds had been well and truly competitors during the season, but when Egyptian midfielder, Mido equalised for Middlesbrough against Liverpool via penalty in January 2009, it was a massive blow for Liverpool’s title charge under Rafa Benitez.
The draw left Liverpool 2 points behind eventual winners Manchester United; who had a game in hand. Liverpool won two out of the first seven premier league games at the turn of the year. This proved costly for Liverpool’s title hopes at the end of the season, as their inability to win against several weaker opponents gifted the trophy to Manchester United.
Liverpool’s scintillating win against Crystal Palace also brings back agonising memory of the 2013/2014 season, when they missed out on the title as a result of defending woes and unfortunate errors.
Liverpool’s undoing during the season was as result of leaky defence, Liverpool finished second having scored 101 goals and conceding 51 goals, the highest amongst the top six teams. One of the matches that severely dented the title hopes was the 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace and Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip against Chelsea.
Presently, The morale of the players on red part of Merseyside is visibly low despite the outpour of confidence by the players in recent interviews. The several injuries problems in the team, especially in defence and midfield are pulling back their pace.
Familiar woes are creeping in at Liverpool again, but the team is resilient and remain hardworking.
Liverpool — who are trying to regain confidence — travel to London on Monday to face an out of form West Ham United.