• They say timing is everything, and the jury will remain out on whether Klopp derailed Liverpool’s title hopes when announcing his departure months before the end of the season. While his final year was not his finest, the German led Liverpool back to the top four and left strong foundations in place for the future. AP
    Jurgen Klopp 7
    They say timing is everything, and the jury will remain out on whether Klopp derailed Liverpool’s title hopes when announcing his departure months before the end of the season. While his final year was not his finest, the German led Liverpool back to the top four and left strong foundations in place for the future. AP
    They say timing is everything, and the jury will remain out on whether Klopp derailed Liverpool’s title hopes when announcing his departure months before the end of the season. While his final year wa
  • It was another solid season for the Brazilian shot-stopper who – one error-strewn half against Arsenal apart – proved a much-needed last line of defence for a side that coughed up plenty of opportunities to opposing teams throughout the season. PA
    Alisson Becker 7
    It was another solid season for the Brazilian shot-stopper who – one error-strewn half against Arsenal apart – proved a much-needed last line of defence for a side that coughed up plenty of opportunities to opposing teams throughout the season. PA
    It was another solid season for the Brazilian shot-stopper who – one error-strewn half against Arsenal apart – proved a much-needed last line of defence for a side that coughed up plenty of opportunit
  • The Irishman rose to the challenge when called on during Alisson’s spell out with injury in the second half of the campaign, picking up a Carabao Cup winners’ medal along the way. The question now is whether he is still happy to be the league’s best understudy or seeks pastures new to secure more playing time. Reuters
    Caoimhín Kelleher 7
    The Irishman rose to the challenge when called on during Alisson’s spell out with injury in the second half of the campaign, picking up a Carabao Cup winners’ medal along the way. The question now is whether he is still happy to be the league’s best understudy or seeks pastures new to secure more playing time. Reuters
    The Irishman rose to the challenge when called on during Alisson’s spell out with injury in the second half of the campaign, picking up a Carabao Cup winners’ medal along the way. The question now is
  • He may not catch the eye like marauding full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, but Gomez offered solidity and defensive know-how to the Liverpool backline. His resolute displays were rewarded with a place in England’s provisional squad for the European Championships in Germany. Getty Images
    Joe Gomez 7
    He may not catch the eye like marauding full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, but Gomez offered solidity and defensive know-how to the Liverpool backline. His resolute displays were rewarded with a place in England’s provisional squad for the European Championships in Germany. Getty Images
    He may not catch the eye like marauding full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, but Gomez offered solidity and defensive know-how to the Liverpool backline. His resolute displays were rewarded
  • The Dutchman embraced the role of captain and was close to his best form at times, particularly in the early months of the season. He kept a calm head as others around him lost theirs when Liverpool’s form faded in the final stretch. EPA
    Virgil Van Dijk 8
    The Dutchman embraced the role of captain and was close to his best form at times, particularly in the early months of the season. He kept a calm head as others around him lost theirs when Liverpool’s form faded in the final stretch. EPA
    The Dutchman embraced the role of captain and was close to his best form at times, particularly in the early months of the season. He kept a calm head as others around him lost theirs when Liverpool’s
  • A series of injuries played a part in an underwhelming season for a player who is still to convince that he is the right man to partner Van Dijk at the heart of the defence in the short-term and take on the mantle as his long-term successor. AFP
    Ibrahima Konate 6
    A series of injuries played a part in an underwhelming season for a player who is still to convince that he is the right man to partner Van Dijk at the heart of the defence in the short-term and take on the mantle as his long-term successor. AFP
    A series of injuries played a part in an underwhelming season for a player who is still to convince that he is the right man to partner Van Dijk at the heart of the defence in the short-term and take
  • The popular defender’s final season as a Liverpool player was another sadly marred by injury. Liverpool fans will be left wondering what could have been if he had been able to stay fit more regularly. Getty Images
    Joel Matip 6
    The popular defender’s final season as a Liverpool player was another sadly marred by injury. Liverpool fans will be left wondering what could have been if he had been able to stay fit more regularly. Getty Images
    The popular defender’s final season as a Liverpool player was another sadly marred by injury. Liverpool fans will be left wondering what could have been if he had been able to stay fit more regularly.
  • The Greek left-back’s patchy performances when required this season show he is unlikely to graduate beyond being a bit-part player. He could be surplus to requirements under Arne Slot. Getty Images
    Kostas Tsimikas 5
    The Greek left-back’s patchy performances when required this season show he is unlikely to graduate beyond being a bit-part player. He could be surplus to requirements under Arne Slot. Getty Images
    The Greek left-back’s patchy performances when required this season show he is unlikely to graduate beyond being a bit-part player. He could be surplus to requirements under Arne Slot. Getty Images
  • A mixed campaign for one of Liverpool’s lynchpins under Jurgen Klopp. Dropped below his high standards at times but ended the season strongly, weighing in with goals against West Ham and Tottenham in the run-in. EPA
    Andy Robertson 6
    A mixed campaign for one of Liverpool’s lynchpins under Jurgen Klopp. Dropped below his high standards at times but ended the season strongly, weighing in with goals against West Ham and Tottenham in the run-in. EPA
    A mixed campaign for one of Liverpool’s lynchpins under Jurgen Klopp. Dropped below his high standards at times but ended the season strongly, weighing in with goals against West Ham and Tottenham in
  • Moments of magic interspersed with careless defending made for a frustrating season for a hugely gifted footballer. The England player did not hit the heights of previous years, but did provide further evidence of his prodigious talent with a number of fantastic free-kicks and assists. EPA
    Trent Alexander-Arnold 6
    Moments of magic interspersed with careless defending made for a frustrating season for a hugely gifted footballer. The England player did not hit the heights of previous years, but did provide further evidence of his prodigious talent with a number of fantastic free-kicks and assists. EPA
    Moments of magic interspersed with careless defending made for a frustrating season for a hugely gifted footballer. The England player did not hit the heights of previous years, but did provide furthe
  • The 21-year-old seized his opportunity in style when injuries to the likes of Matip and Konate offered him a path to the first team. While far from the finished article, he looks set to be a Liverpool regular for years to come. EPA
    Jarell Quansah 7
    The 21-year-old seized his opportunity in style when injuries to the likes of Matip and Konate offered him a path to the first team. While far from the finished article, he looks set to be a Liverpool regular for years to come. EPA
    The 21-year-old seized his opportunity in style when injuries to the likes of Matip and Konate offered him a path to the first team. While far from the finished article, he looks set to be a Liverpool
  • Another rising star who won deserved plaudits when stepping into action in the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. Can Arne Slot find a place for both attack-minded right-backs in his team? PA
    Conor Bradley 7
    Another rising star who won deserved plaudits when stepping into action in the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. Can Arne Slot find a place for both attack-minded right-backs in his team? PA
    Another rising star who won deserved plaudits when stepping into action in the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. Can Arne Slot find a place for both attack-minded right-backs in his team?
  • The homegrown talent had hit top form when he suffered an ankle injury in February. He struggled to get back to his best when he returned to the fray in the final weeks of the season. EPA
    Curtis Jones 6
    The homegrown talent had hit top form when he suffered an ankle injury in February. He struggled to get back to his best when he returned to the fray in the final weeks of the season. EPA
    The homegrown talent had hit top form when he suffered an ankle injury in February. He struggled to get back to his best when he returned to the fray in the final weeks of the season. EPA
  • The young midfielder forced his way into the starting line-up after a lengthy spell as an impact sub. Still only 21, he has barely scratched the surface of his potential. PA
    Harvey Elliott 7
    The young midfielder forced his way into the starting line-up after a lengthy spell as an impact sub. Still only 21, he has barely scratched the surface of his potential. PA
    The young midfielder forced his way into the starting line-up after a lengthy spell as an impact sub. Still only 21, he has barely scratched the surface of his potential. PA
  • Liverpool’s star performer was restricted by a holding role during the early weeks of the season but proved his worth when allowed to venture further forward. The silky-smooth midfielder is sure to be central to Liverpool’s post-Klopp era. PA
    Alexis Mac Allister 8
    Liverpool’s star performer was restricted by a holding role during the early weeks of the season but proved his worth when allowed to venture further forward. The silky-smooth midfielder is sure to be central to Liverpool’s post-Klopp era. PA
    Liverpool’s star performer was restricted by a holding role during the early weeks of the season but proved his worth when allowed to venture further forward. The silky-smooth midfielder is sure to be
  • The Hungarian international faded badly after a bright start to his Liverpool career. Showed enough in his debut season, however, to give cause for optimism that he can still emerge as a key part of a new-look midfield. Getty Images
    Dominik Szoboszlai 6
    The Hungarian international faded badly after a bright start to his Liverpool career. Showed enough in his debut season, however, to give cause for optimism that he can still emerge as a key part of a new-look midfield. Getty Images
    The Hungarian international faded badly after a bright start to his Liverpool career. Showed enough in his debut season, however, to give cause for optimism that he can still emerge as a key part of a
  • The former Stuttgart captain quickly won over supporters with a series of industrious displays in the thick of the midfield action. Played an important role as a defensive midfielder in a team that prioritised its attacking virtues. Reuters
    Wataru Endo 7
    The former Stuttgart captain quickly won over supporters with a series of industrious displays in the thick of the midfield action. Played an important role as a defensive midfielder in a team that prioritised its attacking virtues. Reuters
    The former Stuttgart captain quickly won over supporters with a series of industrious displays in the thick of the midfield action. Played an important role as a defensive midfielder in a team that pr
  • The versatile Dutchman showed promise after signing from Bayern Munich and can be expected to stake a claim for a more regular starting place next season. Getty Images
    Ryan Gravenberch 6
    The versatile Dutchman showed promise after signing from Bayern Munich and can be expected to stake a claim for a more regular starting place next season. Getty Images
    The versatile Dutchman showed promise after signing from Bayern Munich and can be expected to stake a claim for a more regular starting place next season. Getty Images
  • The injury-prone midfielder made only a solitary substitute appearance in what will be his final season at Anfield. What fans had hoped would be a game-changing signing unfortunately never lived up to the star billing. AP
    Thiago Alcantara 1
    The injury-prone midfielder made only a solitary substitute appearance in what will be his final season at Anfield. What fans had hoped would be a game-changing signing unfortunately never lived up to the star billing. AP
    The injury-prone midfielder made only a solitary substitute appearance in what will be his final season at Anfield. What fans had hoped would be a game-changing signing unfortunately never lived up to
  • The Egyptian maestro was once again Liverpool’s top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions but showed signs that his powers may be waning during a difficult end to the campaign. Does Saudi Arabia finally beckon or will the darling of the Kop relish a fresh start under new management? Reuters
    Mohamed Salah 7
    The Egyptian maestro was once again Liverpool’s top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions but showed signs that his powers may be waning during a difficult end to the campaign. Does Saudi Arabia finally beckon or will the darling of the Kop relish a fresh start under new management? Reuters
    The Egyptian maestro was once again Liverpool’s top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions but showed signs that his powers may be waning during a difficult end to the campaign. Does Saudi Arabia fi
  • The ‘agent of chaos’ moniker wore thin as the misses piled up. The wholehearted Uruguayan still has untapped potential but must find his shooting boots quickly if he is to silence the doubters. PA
    Darwin Nunez 5
    The ‘agent of chaos’ moniker wore thin as the misses piled up. The wholehearted Uruguayan still has untapped potential but must find his shooting boots quickly if he is to silence the doubters. PA
    The ‘agent of chaos’ moniker wore thin as the misses piled up. The wholehearted Uruguayan still has untapped potential but must find his shooting boots quickly if he is to silence the doubters. PA
  • The Dutch forward improved as the season went on but must up his scoring rate if he is to be a long-term success. AFP
    Cody Gakpo 6
    The Dutch forward improved as the season went on but must up his scoring rate if he is to be a long-term success. AFP
    The Dutch forward improved as the season went on but must up his scoring rate if he is to be a long-term success. AFP
  • One of a number of Liverpool players struck by the injury bug. When fully fit, he is arguably the club’s best finisher. His absence was keenly felt in the business end of the season. AP
    Diogo Jota 7
    One of a number of Liverpool players struck by the injury bug. When fully fit, he is arguably the club’s best finisher. His absence was keenly felt in the business end of the season. AP
    One of a number of Liverpool players struck by the injury bug. When fully fit, he is arguably the club’s best finisher. His absence was keenly felt in the business end of the season. AP
  • The Colombian winger showed remarkable fortitude by playing on after his father was kidnapped in his homeland. The former Porto star perhaps understandably failed to hit his stride, but showed enough glimpses of his raw talent to suggest the best is yet to come if he remains in the Premier League. AFP
    Luis Diaz 6
    The Colombian winger showed remarkable fortitude by playing on after his father was kidnapped in his homeland. The former Porto star perhaps understandably failed to hit his stride, but showed enough glimpses of his raw talent to suggest the best is yet to come if he remains in the Premier League. AFP
    The Colombian winger showed remarkable fortitude by playing on after his father was kidnapped in his homeland. The former Porto star perhaps understandably failed to hit his stride, but showed enough

Sport

Football

Liverpool 2023/24 season review and player ratings: Mac Allister 8, Salah 7, Nunez 5

We take take a look back at how the Reds fared in Jurgen Klopp's final season at Anfield

Chris Maxwell
Chris Maxwell

May 24, 2024

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Season synopsis

Premier League final position: Third

Europa League: Quarter-finals; beaten 3-1 on aggregate by Atalanta

FA Cup: Quarter-finals; beaten 4-3 away to Manchester United

League Cup: Winners; beat Chelsea 1-0 after extra-time

There was to be no fairy-tale ending to Jurgen Klopp's golden era as Liverpool failed to match the relentless pace set by eventual champions Manchester City and Arsenal in an absorbing Premier League title race.

The Reds were table-toppers in January when the German manager announced he would depart at the end of the season, with hopes high among the Anfield faithful that he could bow out in a blaze of glory and secure a record-equalling 20th league crown.

A third-placed finish, coupled with League Cup success against Chelsea at Wembley, fell short of that lofty aim but was a fair reflection on the abilities of a team boasting plenty of attacking flair often let down by defensive fragility.

A campaign brimming with promise began to unravel when Liverpool lost a 4-3 FA Cup thriller at a struggling Manchester United in March.

A comprehensive defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League sent alarm bells ringing, before a damaging draw at Old Trafford in the league and limp defeats to Crystal Palace and local rivals Everton put paid to those title dreams for good.

It wasn't the final chapter Klopp desired but he leaves the club in a far stronger position than he found it back in 2015, with Champions League football back on the horizon under new manager Arne Slot.

Best performance of season

Liverpool 4 Chelsea 1: Liverpool swatted aside old adversaries Chelsea under the Anfield lights in an imperious display that cemented their place at the Premier League summit heading into February.

A swashbuckling all-round performance featured a glut of great goals and glaring misses – with the enigmatic and erratic Darwin Nunez striking the woodwork four times.

A star showing from youngster Conor Bradley was the highlight of a terrific team effort as the Reds' title charge appeared to be shifting into high gear.

Coming just days after Klopp announced his departure plans, the victory signalled his side's intent to deliver a farewell to remember.

That it provided one of only three victories over the rest of the top six – with no wins against the top two – did highlight a flaw in the make-up of the side.

  • LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Will have busier first-halves when Chelsea had one attempt on goal and failed to win a single corner. More to do after break but no chance with Nkunku goal. AFP
    LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Will have busier first-halves when Chelsea had one attempt on goal and failed to win a single corner. More to do after break but no chance with Nkunku goal. AFP
  • Sensational performance. Spraying passes over the away defence in Alexander-Arnold fashion, providing two fine assists and scoring an excellent first goal for club. PA
    Sensational performance. Spraying passes over the away defence in Alexander-Arnold fashion, providing two fine assists and scoring an excellent first goal for club. PA
  • Could have conceded early penalty for clumsy challenge on Gallagher. Nice control and ball into box to Jota ahead of attacker winning penalty. Beaten by Nkunku’s quick feat ahead of Chelsea’s substitute’s goal. Getty Images
    Could have conceded early penalty for clumsy challenge on Gallagher. Nice control and ball into box to Jota ahead of attacker winning penalty. Beaten by Nkunku’s quick feat ahead of Chelsea’s substitute’s goal. Getty Images
  • One of the Premier League's form defenders but hardly troubled by Chelsea’s woeful attacking efforts until second half triple substitution finally brought the London club to life. PA
    One of the Premier League's form defenders but hardly troubled by Chelsea’s woeful attacking efforts until second half triple substitution finally brought the London club to life. PA
  • Has excelled as emergency left-back and did not put foot wrong here at Anfield, although he has first-choice Andrew Robertson on the bench and closing in on full fitness. Getty Images
    Has excelled as emergency left-back and did not put foot wrong here at Anfield, although he has first-choice Andrew Robertson on the bench and closing in on full fitness. Getty Images
  • Looked like he was poised to take first-half penalty only for Nunez to take the ball and miss. World Cup-winner was strong in the tackle and pinged some lovely passes around, including one in run-up to Diaz’s goal. Reuters
    Looked like he was poised to take first-half penalty only for Nunez to take the ball and miss. World Cup-winner was strong in the tackle and pinged some lovely passes around, including one in run-up to Diaz’s goal. Reuters
  • Almost put side 2-0 up but his nice low strike was saved well by Petrovic. Like Bradley, his performances suggest the future looks bright for whoever takes over as manager from Jurgen Klopp. Getty Images
    Almost put side 2-0 up but his nice low strike was saved well by Petrovic. Like Bradley, his performances suggest the future looks bright for whoever takes over as manager from Jurgen Klopp. Getty Images
  • Glided through game showing off some lovely first touches and his distribution was faultless. Great header from Bradley cross put Liverpool 3-0 up. EPA
    Glided through game showing off some lovely first touches and his distribution was faultless. Great header from Bradley cross put Liverpool 3-0 up. EPA
  • Picked out Bradley with nice pass for young right-back’s unforgettable first goal for club. Drilled shot straight at keeper from tight angle at start of second half but did find net from close range with 11 minutes left. PA
    Picked out Bradley with nice pass for young right-back’s unforgettable first goal for club. Drilled shot straight at keeper from tight angle at start of second half but did find net from close range with 11 minutes left. PA
  • Bulldozed his way through the Chelsea defence, enjoying a slice of luck along the way, before firing Liverpool into the lead with 13th goal of season. Earned side penalty when taken down by Badiashile only for Nunez to miss from spot. Getty Images
    Bulldozed his way through the Chelsea defence, enjoying a slice of luck along the way, before firing Liverpool into the lead with 13th goal of season. Earned side penalty when taken down by Badiashile only for Nunez to miss from spot. Getty Images
  • Five shots in opening 20 minutes, with two of them requiring good stops from Petrovic. Struck post with penalty just before half-time, hit bar with header after break when should have scored - the fourth time he hit woodwork. Great cross to Diaz for fourth goal. AP
    Five shots in opening 20 minutes, with two of them requiring good stops from Petrovic. Struck post with penalty just before half-time, hit bar with header after break when should have scored - the fourth time he hit woodwork. Great cross to Diaz for fourth goal. AP
  • SUBS: (On for Bradley 69’) Such has been the form of the man he replaced, the England full-back has not been missed by the Reds while out injured. AFP
    SUBS: (On for Bradley 69’) Such has been the form of the man he replaced, the England full-back has not been missed by the Reds while out injured. AFP
  • (On for Jota 69’) Dutchman fired one shot wide of target from edge of area. AP
    (On for Jota 69’) Dutchman fired one shot wide of target from edge of area. AP
  • (On for Szoboszlai 69’) Hit shot from distance straight at keeper. AFP
    (On for Szoboszlai 69’) Hit shot from distance straight at keeper. AFP
  • (On for Gomez 69’) Scottish left-back given much-needed game time after injury-hit campaign. Reuters
    (On for Gomez 69’) Scottish left-back given much-needed game time after injury-hit campaign. Reuters
  • (On for Jones 82’) PA
    (On for Jones 82’) PA
  • CHELSEA RATINGS: Unlike his Liverpool counterpart, relentlesssly under pressure as the home side registered 28 attempts on goal with 13 on target. Made numerous good stops and no chance with any of goals in what was dreadful defensive – and attacking, to be fair – Chelsea performance. EPA
    CHELSEA RATINGS: Unlike his Liverpool counterpart, relentlesssly under pressure as the home side registered 28 attempts on goal with 13 on target. Made numerous good stops and no chance with any of goals in what was dreadful defensive – and attacking, to be fair – Chelsea performance. EPA
  • Fourth Chelsea booking in first half which saw away side lose all composure and defensively were all over the place for pretty much the entire 90 minutes. PA
    Fourth Chelsea booking in first half which saw away side lose all composure and defensively were all over the place for pretty much the entire 90 minutes. PA
  • Should have been stronger with his challenge on Jota ahead of Liverpool opener. Stood on same player’s ankle leading to penalty on edge of half-time that was missed by Nunez. Moved to left-back in second half, skinned by Bradley ahead of third goal and allowed Diaz in for fourth. Getty Images
    Should have been stronger with his challenge on Jota ahead of Liverpool opener. Stood on same player’s ankle leading to penalty on edge of half-time that was missed by Nunez. Moved to left-back in second half, skinned by Bradley ahead of third goal and allowed Diaz in for fourth. Getty Images
  • Like his defensive partner, will be disappointed with weak tackle attempt on Jota for Portuguese’s goal. Another Blues player guilty of giving ball away cheaply in disastrous opening 45 minutes. The veteran must think about packing it in after a team performance like this. AFP
    Like his defensive partner, will be disappointed with weak tackle attempt on Jota for Portuguese’s goal. Another Blues player guilty of giving ball away cheaply in disastrous opening 45 minutes. The veteran must think about packing it in after a team performance like this. AFP
  • Miserable game for captain, gave the ball away far too easily, one of those times leading to Jota scoring, while also being booked for blatant dive looking for penalty. Hooked at break. AP
    Miserable game for captain, gave the ball away far too easily, one of those times leading to Jota scoring, while also being booked for blatant dive looking for penalty. Hooked at break. AP
  • Midfielder, who could have joined Liverpool in summer, picked up game’s first booking after 10 minutes for dissent. Gave ball away in run-up to Bradley’s goal. Substitution in second half met with ironic cheers by home fans. PA
    Midfielder, who could have joined Liverpool in summer, picked up game’s first booking after 10 minutes for dissent. Gave ball away in run-up to Bradley’s goal. Substitution in second half met with ironic cheers by home fans. PA
  • Chelsea’s other central midfielder was also booked in first half, the Argentine’s was for reckless sliding tackle on Jones. Like Caicedo, Enzo’s form is nowhere near justifying the huge sum forked out to bring him to the Stamford Bridge club. PA
    Chelsea’s other central midfielder was also booked in first half, the Argentine’s was for reckless sliding tackle on Jones. Like Caicedo, Enzo’s form is nowhere near justifying the huge sum forked out to bring him to the Stamford Bridge club. PA
  • Saw appeals for early penalty after Van Dijk challenge ignored by referee and VAR. That was his biggest contribution as he was also hooked at half-time. Getty Images
    Saw appeals for early penalty after Van Dijk challenge ignored by referee and VAR. That was his biggest contribution as he was also hooked at half-time. Getty Images
  • Like rest of Chelsea’s attackers, invisible in first half and one of three players taken off at break - but it could have been anyone in his side, bar the keeper. PA
    Like rest of Chelsea’s attackers, invisible in first half and one of three players taken off at break - but it could have been anyone in his side, bar the keeper. PA
  • Former Liverpool man received his usual jeers from home fans from start to finish and was marked superbly by Bradley in miserable Anfield return. Getty Images
    Former Liverpool man received his usual jeers from home fans from start to finish and was marked superbly by Bradley in miserable Anfield return. Getty Images
  • Technically supposed to be leading the line until Nkunku's introduction but totally anonymous as attacking threat and you could be forgiven for forgetting he was playing at all. EPA
    Technically supposed to be leading the line until Nkunku's introduction but totally anonymous as attacking threat and you could be forgiven for forgetting he was playing at all. EPA
  • SUBS: (On for Chilwell 46’) Brought on to try and shore up a defence that was leaking like a sieve but the holes remained and the final scoreline flattered Chelsea. PA
    SUBS: (On for Chilwell 46’) Brought on to try and shore up a defence that was leaking like a sieve but the holes remained and the final scoreline flattered Chelsea. PA
  • (On for Gallagher 46’) Not the easiest game for the big-money summer signing, still building up his fitness after injury, to come on in but still produced great footwork and finish to pull score back to 3-1. Reuters
    (On for Gallagher 46’) Not the easiest game for the big-money summer signing, still building up his fitness after injury, to come on in but still produced great footwork and finish to pull score back to 3-1. Reuters
  • (On for Madueke 46’) Had glorious chance to pull side back into game minutes after coming on but side-footed first-time shot high over crossbar. AP
    (On for Madueke 46’) Had glorious chance to pull side back into game minutes after coming on but side-footed first-time shot high over crossbar. AP
  • (On for Caicedo 66’) Young midfielder at least helped give Chelsea a little bit of attacking impetus. Getty Images Cesare Casadei : N/A (On for Palmer 85’)
    (On for Caicedo 66’) Young midfielder at least helped give Chelsea a little bit of attacking impetus. Getty Images Cesare Casadei : N/A (On for Palmer 85’)

Worst performance of season

Everton 2 Liverpool 0: “You lost the league at Goodison Park”, came the mocking cry from the jubilant home crowd as the Blues romped to victory over a listless and lethargic Liverpool.

Liverpool fans may quibble over their title dreams being killed off by Crystal Palace earlier in April, but this was undoubtedly a final nail in the coffin.

The visitors – the dominant force in the Merseyside rivalry in the Premier League age – were second best throughout and never looked likely to threaten a comeback after falling behind midway through the first half.

The Reds were low on energy and out of ideas with the stakes so high as their bitter rivals revelled in a deserved win which proved to be a significant step towards their own top-flight safety.

Thriller of season

Manchester United 4 Liverpool 3: A barmy, brilliant and bewildering FA Cup classic where Liverpool's end-of-season stumble started to turn into a full-blown collapse.

Liverpool were unruffled when Scott McTominay fired the hosts into an early lead, with their first-half dominance rewarded by two goals shortly before the break to secure a 2-1 advantage.

The away side were profligate in pursuit of a third goal, however, and paid the price as Antony forced extra time late on.

A wildly entertaining extra time period saw Harvey Elliott restore Liverpool's lead only for their defence to prove as leaky as the Old Trafford roof as Manchester United conjured up an unlikely equaliser before Amad Diallo's last-gasp winner.

It was a crushing defeat from which Liverpool's season never fully recovered.

Player of season

Alexis Mac Allister: The Argentine World Cup winner brought a touch of class to a midfield engine room previously built on industry rather than creativity.

After a slow start following his summer move from Brighton, Mac Allister's influence steadily grew as an impressive range of passing and keen eye for goal made his £35 million fee appear even more of a bargain than first thought.

The talented 25-year-old looks certain to be a mainstay of an evolving Liverpool midfield.

Goal of season

Alexis Mac Allister v Fulham: In a game featuring four goal of the season candidates for the Reds, Mac Allister's audacious strike just about shaded the rest.

Liverpool were locked at 1-1 when the midfielder's stunning long-range effort offered fans a glimpse into his shooting prowess.

Mac Allister notched seven goals in all competitions in his debut season – including another cracker against Sheffield United – but this was his and Liverpool's best of the campaign.

Updated: May 24, 2024, 2:40 AM
Premier LeagueLiverpoolJurgen Klopp