10 pictures to sum up Liverpool’s season so far
Liverpool are having one of their best seasons in years, all thanks to the progress made by German manager Jurgen Klopp since his arrival in October 2015.
The Reds are currently at the head of the pack chasing down Chelsea at the top of the Premier League and have now won their last three in a row after ropey results vs. Bournemouth and West Ham United.
It’s not just a consistent form that is pleasing Liverpool fans though. Their incredible attacking output has thrilled football fans across the world, at times looking like they can cut through teams at will.
The likes of Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane are among the most effective in the division this year and if the Reds can go on an extended winning run, anything can happen come May. Chelsea surely can’t keep winning forever?
Here are TEN photos that tell the story of Liverpool’s season so far…
A thrilling start
Liverpool’s season couldn’t have started in a more exciting fashion. One of the toughest opening fixtures a team can get, they had to make the trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
The game had everything. Falling behind before coming back to race to a 4-1 lead, the Reds were eventually pegged back to 4-3 and had to hold to what was a vital opening day victory which set the tone for the campaign to come.
A champion performance
Liverpool really showed they meant business this season when they dispatched last season’s champions Leicester City with ease at Anfield in early September.
Roberto Firmino hit a double which book-ended goals from Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana, showing everyone that Jurgen Klopp’s side were ready to put last season behind them and move forward as one of the division’s best teams.
Title contenders
Liverpool officially announced themselves as title contenders with an impressive victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge just six days after the victory over Leicester.
A Dejan Lovren opener was followed up by a Jordan Henderson beauty from 25 yards, sending the away fans home dreaming of silverware this season.
It was a serious momentum builder and the Reds would go a further 11 games unbeaten after this Friday night win.
Derby deadlock
After defeating Chelsea and Leicester, many Liverpool fans were expectant that they could turn over Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side at Anfield in October.
Two excellent second half stops from David de Gea denied them that joy and the chance to draw level with league leaders Manchester City.
It was a disappointing night for the Anfield faithful but also a match they dominated in the main, showing that Klopp’s reign was still very much going to plan.
Cup success
A Daniel Sturridge double ensured progression in the EFL Cup at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur, who presented a real barrier in Liverpool’s quest to land silverware under Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds are now in the semi-final and only Southampton stand in their way of a trip to Wembley – where they will have the chance to win their first trophy in five years.
Six of the best
Liverpool’s biggest win of the season game at home to Watford, the Reds absolutely thrashing the visitors 6-1 in front of a delighted support.
Klopp’s side have scored more than any other team in the Premier League this season with 45 goals netted and performances like this are the reason why. You can’t deny Liverpool fans are getting their money’s worth this term.
It also marked the first time Liverpool had ever been top of the league under Jurgen Klopp, adding fuel to the hype surrounding his management of the club.
Sadio Mane got a double on the day, further proving he had emerged as Liverpool’s most exciting and effective attacking player.
Welcome to the future
Ben Woodburn came off the bench in an EFL Cup cup match against Leeds to score Liverpool’s second goal of the night and send them into the semi-finals.
The teenager became the youngest ever Liverpool goalscorer at just 17 years old, beating Michael Owen’s previous record by 97 days.
His effort became one of the most memorable moments of the season for many Liverpool fans. The future is bright at Anfield.
Cherries not so sweet
Liverpool’s season hit a roadblock in Bournemouth in early December after letting a comfortable lead slip to the Cherries. It was a shambolic defensive performance and showed that while progress has been made under Klopp, there’s still plenty of work to do.
A win would have ensured they remained only one point behind Chelsea heading into the busy festive season, but this result and a subsequent draw against West Ham saw them slip significantly behind.
Derby desire
Liverpool re-asserted their dominance over their city rivals with a determined win at Goodison Park. It took the Reds until deep into injury time to break the deadlock but it was a lead they had worked hard for and fully deserved.
Sadio Mane was again the main man, reacting quickest to a Daniel Sturridge shot that came off the post.
It proved the desire of Klopp’s men to win no matter what and showed that they’ll keep fighting for the Premier League’s top spot for as long as it’s still achievable.
The chase is on
Since dropping points to West Ham and Bournemouth, Liverpool have kept pace with Chelsea, picking up three impressive victories.
The latest came at Anfield and it was another performance that showed the spirit that exists within Klopp’s squad.
An early Jonathan Walters goal left many thinking this could be another setback for the Reds but Adam Lallana equalised and inspired a comeback that resulted in a big 4-1 win.
The chase is most certainly on and it’s Klopp’s side who lead it. Can Liverpool peg back Chelsea at the top of the table?