Wednesday 31 December 2014 09:32, UK
We look back at the top five highs and lows for Liverpool fans during the last 12 months.
Captain Fantastic's rallying call
Liverpool moved to within touching distance of a first-ever Premier League titlefollowing a dramatic 3-2 win against championship rivals Manchester City at Anfield in April.
The Merseysiders blew their visitors away with two early goals, before then being pegged back to 2-2, only for Philippe Coutinho’s late winner to spark jubilant scenes among the home fans and a now infamous post-match team message from their skipper Steven Gerrard …
Stevie G feels the Blues after Anfield slip-up
With Liverpool needing just seven points from their final three remaining fixtures of the season in order to claim a first top-flight title since 1990, expectations had reached fever pitch in the red half of Merseyside.
However, the first of those Premier League clashes saw old foes Chelsea visit Anfield and an unfortunately timed slip by Reds captain Steven Gerrard hand the visitors the spoils, and Liverpool’s closest challengers Manchester City the crucial momentum in the championship race.
Reds implode at the Palace
Liverpool were still in the title race as they headed to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in May.
And the Reds appeared on course to go three points ahead of nearest challengers Manchester City after moving into a 3-0 lead early in the second half against the Eagles.
However, a spectacular late collapse that saw the home side score three unanswered goals left Liverpool’s players in a state of shock, while also handing the title initiative back to City, an initiative they were not to let go of.
El Pistolero is Barca bound
Controversial Liverpool forward Luis Suarez lit up the Premier League last season with his vast array of attacking skills, and some outrageous goals as well, with the Uruguayan marksman netting 31 times in just 33 top-flight outings for the club.
However, after being voted as the double Footballer of the Year in England and taking the Reds to within a whisker of the title, El Pistolero then decided to quit Anfield to sign for La Liga giants Barcelona last summer in a deal worth £75 million.
Balo's Anfield arrival
Liverpool’s answer to losing goal machine Luis Suarez to Barcelona at the end of the last campaign was to replace the brilliant South American with mercurial AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
However, while there was much fanfare and excitement to accompany the Italy international’s arrival on Merseyside in the summer, Balotelli's subsequent impact at Anfield has been minimal, with the frontman failing to find the back of the net for his new club in the Premier League before Christmas.
