5 Reasons Why Liverpool Have Turned Their Season Around

Liverpool's performance in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield on Tuesday night was arguably their best of the season so far.

Raheem Sterling's goal ensured manager Brendan Rodgers' side got the least they deserved in the League Cup semi-final first leg, but it perhaps should have been more for the home side who dominated—especially in the second half.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was named Man of the Match, expertly saving shots from Adam Lallana, Sterling and Philippe Coutinho, while Steven Gerrard hit the post as the Reds looked to take an advantage into the second leg.

The result meant that Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions. It's just one defeat in 15 games since the miserable 3-1 reverse at Crystal Palace in November.

Admittedly, the Chelsea match was the first real test since the rejuvenation really kicked in over Christmas, with fixtures proving kind. But if this was the first test, Liverpool passed it with honours.

So how have Liverpool turned their season around? Here are five key reasons for it.

3 at the Back

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The change of system to a 3-4-2-1 occurred in the match at Old Trafford, immediately following the Reds' Champions League exit. While the result, a 3-0 defeat, was not what was wanted, there were signs of improvement.

This was followed up by the victory at Bournemouth where the new system continued. Rodgers has kept with it since then.

Changing to three centre-backs has undoubtedly been one of the major reasons for improvement, and we could list five reasons for this alone.

Martin Skrtel has been one huge benefactor of the change, as explained by Jack Lusby of This Is Anfield.

With the addition of Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho on either side of him, Skrtel has been given simple passing options to players who are comfortable playing forward passes from deep. Arguably, it has been the biggest difference.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet's confidence also looks improved with the new system.

Lucas' Reintegration

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Ahead of the back three, the reintegration of Lucas Leiva in midfield has been key.

The Brazilian enjoyed his best performance of the season against Chelsea and is, much like the team, improving with every game. Providing a more defensively minded player to break up play in midfield has relinquished the pressure on Liverpool's defence.

Rather than the two centre-backs having little protection from midfield, or indeed their full-backs when they push high up, they now have Lucas in front of them and protection out wide.

Change of Personnel

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While Rodgers deserves credit for the change to a 3-4-2-1, he has actually been fortunate that injuries have forced his hand.

Mario Balotelli was only finally dropped once he picked up an injury, suffering niggling injuries since, and he has therefore not started a match since the Premier League game against Chelsea in early November. Balotelli doesn't suit the Reds system, and this finally provided the opportunity to move Sterling into a central role—which was long overdue.

Sakho has been key to the improved defence, and he has only found his way back into the side due to an injury to Dejan Lovren. Since returning from injury this month, Lovren has been unable to force his way back in due to Sakho's form.

Had Lovren not missed time, it's hard to believe Sakho would have had a look-in, having been exiled by Rodgers before then.

Balotelli and Lovren are two expensive summer signings who have not worked out, and their absences while Liverpool have improved are more than just a coincidence.

New Boys Improving

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While Lovren and Balotelli are quickly looking like bad business, those who were too quickly written off early in the campaign are actually proving their potential.

Lazar Markovic has shone in the wide midfield/wing-back role, showing vastly improved output both in attack and defence.

Can similarly has impressed—another who only found his way into the side owing to the absence of Kolo Toure.

Lallana has found his feet, while Alberto Moreno looks more comfortable in a more advanced role.

Better Management of Steven Gerrard

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Gerrard's decision to leave the club this summer has coincided with Rodgers managing the player far better.

He's now using him in a more advanced role and not starting him every game. The changing of the guard has begun.

What this has also done is force others to step up to the plate in the captain's absence. Lucas, Jordan Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling—these players are among those taking the responsibility rather than looking to Gerrard for inspiration.