Suffering the most inconsistent of campaigns in the face of seemingly constant injury woes, the World Cup break - and subsequent mid-season training camp in Dubai - was meant to act as a reset button for Liverpool.
Yet after the most unconvincing of victories over Leicester City was followed up by the miserable 3-1 loss away at Brentford, reality has dealt the Reds the most brutal slap in the face. Title-contenders back in August, just five months on and their hopes of even qualifying for next season’s Champions League continue to dwindle at an alarming rate.
While not completely extinguished, with still half of the Premier League season to play, the Reds currently trail the top four by seven points. Occupying sixth place, they find Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion, and now Brentford all breathing down their necks.
