Liverpool’s first defeat of 2015 had a major impact on the league table after it allowed Manchester United to build a five-point advantage in the top four race.
The 2-1 defeat puts Liverpool in a difficult position with regard to qualifying for the Champions League next season. There are only eight matches left in the season and United look to have regained their former strength. Even though the Red Devils have several tough matches between now and the end of the season, their comfortable advantage is likely to see them through to the finishing line.
Brendan Rodgers, however, believes that it is not the case and that Liverpool still remain in hunt for a Champions League spot. Liverpool cannot afford any more slipups between now and the end of the season, but there is a potential for the same when the Reds visit the Emirates stadium to take on Arsenal in a fortnight. This may have been Liverpool’s first defeat in this calendar year, but there have been warning signs in recent weeks. The club only barely managed to beat the likes of Swansea away from home. Rodgers will have to find a way – and fast – to get the players back on song.
He will have to do so without Gerrard, who faces a three match suspension.”It’s a big challenge, but when I looked at the 10 games that were remaining it was always going to be difficult to win all 10 of them.We’d hoped it wouldn’t be in this game against a rival but it’s still very much possible. It’s five points the difference between us and them, we’ve now got to recover and use this as the same springboard as we did in the last game. We went on an incredible run that’s at least given us the opportunity and the chance,” said Rodgers.