Liverpool’s quest for what was a possible quadruple (only mathematically) finally became impossible with a last-minute defeat to West Ham United in the FA Cup.
After drawing 0-0 at Anfield, the fourth-round replay was an exciting game, and one where the Reds were extremely promising, especially given the mixed nature of the team sent out by manager Jürgen Klopp.
Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi all made their returns from injury on Tuesday, with Coutinho netting a fantastically inventive free-kick and Sturridge impressing when he came on for the Brazilian.
Liverpool have missed the dynamic duo, and, especially with Sturridge’s injury problems, could be in a completely different position had they remained fit.
Nevertheless, everyone can only look forward, and there were plenty of positives for Klopp to take from what may have been perceived as a bonus fixture.
Given Liverpool are already in the League Cup final against Manchester City, and have a Europa League campaign to look forward to, it’s no surprise that Klopp has been fielding weakening teams in the FA Cup, especially with the injuries recently.
Some of the youngsters have coped admirably, even outshining the first-team at times with their performances – after all, they managed to match a strong West Ham side who had swept aside the senior Liverpool team 5-0 on aggregate across both league fixtures.
In the end, it was only a final roll of the dice from West Ham, just as a penalty shootout was looming, that killed off Liverpool’s hopes in the FA Cup for 2016.
Positives to take despite late heartbreak
Angelo Ogbonna’s goal was heart-breaking for all Liverpool fans, especially as the Reds deserved so much more from the game, but that in itself is something to take from their final trip to Upton Park.
The question is whether Klopp’s men can now maintain any sort of consistency, as results have hardly been promising in recent weeks. Since the dramatic and fortunate 5-4 win over Norwich City, the Reds have not won in five matches across all competitions.
They scraped through to the League Cup final over Stoke City, despite losing the second leg 1-0 at Anfield. The 0-0 stalemate with West Ham in the FA Cup followed, before Jamie Vardy was the difference between the Reds and Leicester City.
A notable day on Saturday for Klopp’s appendicitis and the successful walk-out by the Liverpool fans included a 2-2 draw at home to relegation-threatened Sunderland, where the Liverpool players somehow managed to concede twice in the final ten minutes against a side that always struggle to score. Or at least, until they arrived at Anfield.
Finally, the devastating FA Cup exit culminates a period of time on the pitch that few Liverpool fans will remember.
Yet there is still a chance to make something of this season. The FA Cup has gone, while a top-four finish in the Premier League is now a distant dream. That leaves just two competitions left – the League Cup and the Europa League.
I have mentioned in previous weeks how these two competitions should be Liverpool’s priority ever since the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in mid-January, and now most Liverpool fans probably support this idea with Liverpool’s FA Cup demise.
The key will be keeping players fit – the youngsters can cope in certain matches but, despite their inconsistencies, a first-team that can have a run of games with the same players and no disruptions will offer greater quality, consistency and experience.
Maybe they have struggled with Klopp’s demands, maybe Liverpool have just been massively unlucky, or maybe it’s another unknown factor. Regardless, it has to change for the Reds to assemble a settled side, which will give them the greatest chance of having an impact in the final two trophies available to them this season.
Reds can still make something of this season
Overall, the Europa League is of greater importance given the pot of gold at the end of its rainbow, in the shape of Champions League football, but Liverpool only need to win one more match in the League Cup to ensure Klopp has silverware in his very first season in charge.
Manchester City are a daunting task, but certainly one the Reds will not fear, having scaled that mountain before – the 4-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium a few months ago will undoubtedly remain one of the highlights of the season.
Now with fewer fixtures because Liverpool are no longer competing on four fronts, Klopp will have more time to prepare and train the team inbetween fixtures, and if he needs to rotate then the Premier League is now the lowest priority.
In reality, Liverpool have only two more lives to make 2015/16 a memorable campaign, despite all of its upheaval and transition, and if a ninth League Cup or fourth Europa League crown can be added to their vast trophy collection, then there will be no shortage of optimism going into 2016/17.