This past May, Liverpool was fighting for the Premier League title in second place, trying to overcome the might of Manchester City.
The Reds narrowly missed this task, two points behind City when the season ended, and the first half of the 2014-15 year hasn’t catapulted off to the start that one would come to expect out of the reigning runner-up.
Yet, their squad makeup was certainly different squad last season, with Luis Suarez was providing manager Brendan Rodgers with great finishing quality at the forward position, and Daniel Sturridge was also dangerous on the pitch to present arguably the most dangerous tandem in England.
Situated in eighth place fifteen points back from second place, Liverpool doesn’t look ready to spur a winning run large enough to make the league crown a possibility. Because such is the case, Rodgers has felt the pressure as his squad, consisting of new summer transfers Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, has fallen on inconsistent health.
Still, heading into 2015, the owners pointed what they called “positive signs”, which include the nice run of form, unbeaten in six of the past seven games, being exhibited presently.
And of course, the most “positive” aspect of the coming month will be the imminent restoration of Sturridge, out since August due to an accumulation of injuries.
“We look forward to the return of Daniel Sturridge sometime in late January. We are very encouraged by his efforts and determination to resolve his injuries...Great progress has been made that should help him going forward.”