Liverpool have had an indifferent last few weeks, as we have slipped out of the title race following defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea. They have also lost points against Aston Villa in the league, but there have been several positive for Liverpool along the way. The comeback victory against Stoke coupled with the comeback against Villa have made the team mentally strong according to manager Brendan Rodgers. Despite conceding very early against Stoke at the Britannia stadium, Liverpool came back strongly to win the match 5-3.
It was followed with a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Liverpool could have gone out of the race for the top four if they had lost this match, but they came back with a sense of urgency that only top teams have displayed in the past. Daniel Sturridge got one back for the home team just before half-time before Steven Gerrard equalised in the second half. As a result of these two matches, Liverpool maintain their advantage in the table over the likes of Tottenham and Everton.
Rodgers says that these results show that Liverpool players have developed a mentality where they want to avoid defeat at all costs. The biggest strength of this mentality will come against Everton in the Merseyside derby. The match will take place next week at Anfield.
“This season has been very important because we’ve been able to do a lot of work on the training field and a lot more work behind the scenes on that mental fitness. I think you’ve seen the benefits of that in the confidence and belief of the players, especially if we’re ever down in games or in difficult moments. We’ve definitely improved in that aspect. Stoke was a great example,” said Rodgers. Liverpool are level on points with Tottenham, but they are fourth due to a better goal difference.