Top 10 Moments from Liverpool's 2014/15 Premier League Season
Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool spent much of 2014/15 infuriating fans with their displays, but what were the top 10 moments from their Premier League campaign?
It is easy to forget, given the indignity of the Reds' final-day mauling at the hands of 6-1 victors Stoke City, that there were bright points in the league this season.
Here are 10 choice moments, rounding off with a sensational display from Philippe Coutinho.
10. Lazar Markovic's Wonder-Volley That Could Have Been
1 of 10
As Lazar Markovic crashed an incredible, 20-yard acrobatic volley onto Costel Pantilimon's crossbar, every player—both Liverpool and Sunderland—seemed to stop in awe.
Unfortunately for the Serbian, who was then just six months into his Merseyside career after a £20 million move from Benfica in July, the shot was bundled behind—unknowingly—by Pantilimon.
It would have been a sure contender for Goal of the Season. Undoubtedly.
This audacious attempt capped an exceptional performance from Markovic, who scored the only goal in this 1-0 January victory over the Black Cats.
If only it were an inch or two lower.
9. Alberto Moreno's Spurs Strike
2 of 10
Like Markovic, Alberto Moreno had a muted first season at Anfield overall. But at least Moreno, a £12 million acquisition from Sevilla, announced himself in style early into the season.
This came with a wonderful solo goal in August's 3-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur.
Robbing Andros Townsend in the Liverpool half, Moreno sped down the left flank before cutting inside and into the Spurs penalty area to fire low and beyond goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Moreno provided the flourish to a great team performance, and it looked as though Liverpool had unearthed another John Arne Riise—whether that will transpire to be the case in the long term remains to be seen.
8. Coutinho as False 9 Against Newcastle United
3 of 10
"I thought he showed that he's really up there with the very, very best in the most competitive league in the world, which is the Barclays Premier League," Rodgers told reporters including Tom Dutton of the London Evening Standard after Liverpool's 2-0 win at home to Newcastle United in April.
"I played him in that role just in front of the centre-halves, thinking that we could exploit the space in between their midfield and the centre-halves and create space for players to make runs in behind. I thought he was sensational."
Rodgers was, of course, talking about Coutinho, who operated in an unorthodox false-nine role at Anfield.
Finding every pocket of space available in front of, in between and behind a dismal Newcastle defence, Coutinho dominated; he made an incredible seven successful dribbles.
The 22-year-old sparked one of the most scintillating Liverpool performances of the season.
7. Steven Gerrard's Anfield Lap of Honour
4 of 10
Though preceded by one of the most miserable performances of the season, Steven Gerrard's Anfield farewell was never truly about the game—a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace—but about acknowledging the phenomenal contribution of a 17-year Liverpool legend.
As Gerrard took one last walk around the Anfield turf as a Liverpool player, calls of "Steve Gerrard, Gerrard," "Steven is Our Captain" and "You'll Never Walk Alone," rang around the stadium.
It was a moment to cherish for both the player and his loyal supporters.
6. Jordon Ibe's Return from Loan
5 of 10
Jordon Ibe spent the first half of 2014/15 on loan with Championship side Derby County, and when he was recalled in January—with the initial terms of transfer a season-long agreement—it was difficult to see where he would fit into Rodgers' first team.
But, after a pair of cameo appearances, Ibe made his return to the Liverpool starting lineup in February's 0-0 draw away to Merseyside rivals Everton—he was awarded Man of the Match after a fearless performance.
Ibe's return provided Rodgers with an invaluable attacking option, and this performance gave Liverpool supporters a view to a bright future.
5. Jordan Henderson Shows His Captain's Credentials Against Burnley
6 of 10
Jordan Henderson made his first start as Liverpool captain in November's 1-0 win at home to Stoke City, with Gerrard benched after a prolonged spell in the starting lineup; this became a trend, with Rodgers more inclined to rest the 34-year-old as he ran down his Liverpool contract.
It wasn't until March's 2-0 win at home to Burnley, however, that Henderson truly asserted himself with a real captain's display.
Scoring the goal that ensured the Reds' victory—a long-range half-volley that Gerrard himself would have been proud of—Henderson capped a mature individual performance that rubbed off on his team-mates.
"He has always had athleticism, he is born with a natural gift to run," Rodgers told the Press Association (h/t This is Anfield) after the game.
"Tactically he is improving all the time and his passing is improving and he is becoming one of the real leaders of this team. It was a wonderful performance by him and the team in general."
4. Daniel Sturridge's Goalscoring Return
7 of 10
After spending four months on the sidelines with injury, Liverpool supporters gleefully welcomed star striker Daniel Sturridge back to the fold as he took up a spot on Rodgers' substitutes' bench in February's Premier League clash at home to West Ham United.
Coming on for Markovic in the 68th minute, it took Sturridge just 12 minutes to cap his return with a goal.
An ecstatic Sturridge celebrated with vigour, and so did the Anfield faithful. While he spent most of the rest of the season back in the treatment room, this instant impact reminded supporters just what he could do.
3. It Finally Clicks for Simon Mignolet
8 of 10
After the debacle that was the first half of the season for Simon Mignolet, the Liverpool goalkeeper finally hit form with a masterful display in January's 2-0 victory away to Aston Villa.
He exuded confidence, organised his defence well and dominated a penalty area dogged by the physical Christian Benteke.
In his post-match briefing, Rodgers told Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo: "I felt today he looked like a Liverpool goalkeeper."
2. The Swansea City Drubbing
9 of 10
You can count on one hand the amount of times Liverpool dominated on all areas of the field in 2014/15, and December's 4-1 thrashing of Swansea City at Anfield stands as the most impressive of these displays.
Led by an irresistible Adam Lallana, the Reds overwhelmed Rodgers' former side, with the Englishman scoring twice along with a goal from Moreno and the customary Jonjo Shelvey gift—this time an own goal.
Moving within five points of the top four with this result, Liverpool looked to have gained real momentum.
1. Coutinho's Manchester City Masterclass
10 of 10
Aside from a double against fifth-placed finishers Spurs, Liverpool's only big-game victory this season came with a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Anfield in March.
Central to this victory was, again, Coutinho.
Performing in a left-sided attacking midfield role, Coutinho tore apart right-back Pablo Zabaleta and dazzled centre-back Vincent Kompany with his passing. Scoring the winner with a long-range curled effort, Coutinho secured a precious three points for Liverpool.
This victory boosted Liverpool's top-four hopes once more, and although they were ultimately dashed, this was the moment that made Reds supporters dream in 2014/15.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
