Liverpool could well win the Champions League this season, but they are struggling to replicate performances from big European nights in the league.
Liverpool are in with a real chance of winning the Champions League this season, potentially emerging as favourites following the semi-final first legs.
The Reds were rampant against Roma and will surely progress, with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich unlikely to relish the prospect of facing Jurgen Klopp’s men.
And so, quite understandably, many Liverpool fans are also looking forward to next season’s Premier League, expecting their side to challenge for the title.
But results in recent weeks – between big European triumphs – have shown why Liverpool still have a lot of work to do if they are to compete with Manchester City.
Klopp’s side have drawn three of their last four league games, lacking a cutting edge against each of Everton, West Bromwich Albion and, on Saturday, Stoke City.
These games are where titles are won and lost, and Liverpool have dropped six points from what should have been a relatively straightforward run of victories.
It is all well and good to say the Reds have bigger fish to fry right now, in terms of the Champions League, but any domestic challenge would have to come hand-in-hand with another European run. That is expected at a big club like Liverpool.
Admittedly, Liverpool have had little riding on these games, but that has not stopped them pushing and falling short.
City have repeatedly scored late goals in similar contests this season; Liverpool must learn to finish off the division’s lesser lights if they want to end a 28-year wait.
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