Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend was a big moment in the Reds’ season. Not only were they beaten at home by their fiercest of rivals but also their hopes of making the Premier Leagues top four and therefore a chance of Champions League football next season faded.

Liverpool now sit in fifth place with a five-point gap separating the two teams and while there are still eight games to play for, United are definitely in a better position to fight for qualification.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has had a topsy-turvy three-years at Liverpool’s helm; he has been fortunate to work with top players like Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge but likewise there have been many obstacles.

This season alone Rodgers has had to contend with rebuilding his highly effective attack after the departure of Suarez to Barcelona last summer and must now look towards a future without talisman and captain Steven Gerrard. To find themselves even in the running for a top four finish during a season of so much upheaval is admirable and whether or not they succeed in making fourth Liverpool supporters should continue to have faith in their gaffer.

At 42, Rodgers is still a young manager who on a weekly basis comes up against seasoned and highly successful tacticians yet continues to steer Liverpool in the right direction.

The Irishman has made some great signings in his three years at Merseyside - namely Sturridge who joined in 2013 from Chelsea - but also Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen who is enjoying his maiden season. But he hasn’t always gotten it right. The acquisition of forward Mario Balotelli has brought embarrassment and at times a media circus to the club. Though obviously a mistake, it should be remembered that the Italian was a last minute deal done to cover Sturridge’s lengthy injury induced absence. No one in their right mind and with other options available would have pinned their hopes on the erratic young man.

Understandably the first half of the season was difficult for everyone at the club with some supporters even worrying how safe Rodgers’ job was. At the end of November the Reds were down in 11th place and all of the gains made last season seemed to have vanished.

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Sturridge spent five months in total out of action, even longer than was expected due to a reoccurrence of his injury but once he finally returned then a noticeable improvement could be seen and the charge up the table began.

Now with only a handful of games left, which include trips to Arsenal and Chelsea, Liverpool are still in with a chance of making the top four despite tough competition for places. In the event that they do not finish high enough then Rodgers should still be commended for getting through a tough year relatively well. Even when struggling Rodgers has kept his side functioning, not allowing their poor showing and quick exit in both the Champions and Europa Leagues to ruin their domestic campaign which is more than city rivals Everton can say.

Rodgers needs to continue focussing on a strong league finish and look to make better acquisitions in the upcoming transfer window than he did last year. With the right group of players and a great manager in the making there is no reason why Liverpool can’t finish in the top four next season or even end their long wait for the Premier League title.

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