2. Keeping key players fit
Winning the title often requires more than a fair share of luck and Liverpool have undoubtedly enjoyed a big slice of fortune when it comes to injuries. That’s not to say they have been entirely injury free; Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique and Lucas Leiva have suffered lengthy stints on the sidelines. But the players that have been at the heart of their success have remained largely injury free, meaning they have been free to perform consistently and effectively as a unit. Luis Suarez, for instance, has played every game since the ban that kept him out for the first five games of the season and Jordan Henderson, incredibly, has played every minute in all but two games this season. This consistency in selection has provided the bedrock of Liverpool’s success.
But, it hasn’t all been down to luck. A lack of European football and early exits from the FA and League Cups have allowed Brendan Rodgers’ side to focus entirely on Premier League success put his players under less physical stress. Liverpool’s first team may be top quality but their squad is somewhat lacking in depth. A few big injuries at key times could have easily scuppered their season, just as they did for Arsenal, whose thin squad struggled to cope with a very busy fixture list. Without the likes of Ramsey and Özil, the Gunners looked like a different team.
Liverpool have played around 15 fewer games this campaign than their title rivals. But, with Champions League football guaranteed for next season, Brendan Rodgers must look to strengthen the depth of his squad to build on the success of this year.