November - The run continues
Newcastle 1-0
BATE 2-0
Stoke 2-0
Norwich 2-0
Juventus 1-0
Chelsea 2-0
Approaching the half way point of the season, Liverpool...the team still gong strong would be looking to widen the gap at the top of the table in the month of November, to get that ever important advantage over the other sides in the Premier League in the first half of the season.
With injuries plaguing the side, Rodgers had some thinking to do. The reds' next match was up against Newcastle, which couldn't have come any sooner for an unfit Liverpool side. The tiredness did not matter to them it seems however, as it had no effect on performance. The reds ran out 1-0 winners and got themselves an extra three points on the board.
Then it was off to Belarus, where a Liverpool would have the chance to qualify with just 9 points in their group. However Atletico had to beat Juventus. Liverpool, came out as 2-0 winners against BATE with an early goal from Aspas and FINALLY a late goal for none other than Luis Suarez! Could this be the end to his goal drought? Sadly, Atletico drew, and Juve were handed a point. Liverpool would need to gain at least a point away to the Old lady, if they were to qualify a little earlier than expected.
Back to the Premier League, and once again, the tiredness of Rodgers' squad was no burden at all, they dominated Stoke city at the Britannia stadium, winning 2-0, Raheem Sterling put in a performance of the highest quality notching 2 goals to win the game...The talented English winger is showing real signs of improvement this season.
It was just a few days later that Sterling had the chance to show this was no fluke, and he did so! Although he went the game without scoring, he was one of Liverpool's best players. Daniel Agger got Liverpool's 1st goal, before a Bradley Johnson own goal sent Norwich home with nothing worthy of merit in their performance.
The big game was finally here, and it was time for the two 'buddies' Rodgers and COnte to meet once more. This game would seal Juve's fate, could they win and stay in the group with hope of qualification? Or would they fall to the knees of Liverpool and bow out of the competition?
Of course, Liverpool were on fine form, and all though playing the better football, Juventus fans were left in tears as they were sent into the round of 32, in the Europa League.
The final game of the month, would be played at Anfield against title challengers Chelsea! Liverpool were for the 4th time this season gifted a lucky 31st minute own goal from Cech to make the score 1-0.
A penalty was also then conceded by Chelsea in the 80th minute and star player Rakitic sent Chelsea packing without the 3 points they wanted. Liverpool may have gotten lucky, but their performance was certainly of the highest class, Chelsea had nothing positive to take from the game, and solid centre back Sakho ensured that. an 8.2 rating earned him the man of the match of the award. Not the first time this season mind you.
And who said Liverpool can't beat the big teams?