2012/13 analysis: The team

Liverpool began the 2012/13 season with their tail trapped in the door, so to speak, as they struggled past Hearts to qualify for the Europa League group stage and failed to win a Premier League game until late September.

The reds’ slow start was justifiable, as new manager – Brendan Rodgers – attempted to install new tactical ideas at the club and induct young players into the team. Performances steadily improved and results followed after the turn of the year, as key signings Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho were brought in; the return to form of captain, Steven Gerrard, was also a pivotal factor. Consecutive impressive displays away at Arsenal and Manchester City in January/February were emblamatic of the team’s progress.

Rodgers’ side continued to develop and have finished the season positively, despite the absence of star striker Luis Suarez (ban), remaining unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games. The reds conceded just three goals in their final seven matches of the campaign – laying a sound platform to build on next season.

The retirement of Jamie Carragher will leave a gap at the club, on and off the field, so it is vital that Liverpool spend wisely in the summer transfer window to maintain their recent progression. Defenders Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Kolo Toure are rumoured to be on the reds’ radar – news which is sure to excite fans. Toure in particular would add some welcome experience following Carragher’s departure. Picking up the 32-year-old on a free transfer would be a shrewd piece of business; the Manchester City man still has a few years left at the top and his arrival at Anfield would hold echoes of previous successful transfers like William Gallas to Tottenham and Sylvain Distin to Everton.

The aforementioned Papadopoulos is one of the most sought after defenders around Europe, and a deal to bring him to the club would be a real coup for Liverpool.

Matches: 54
Wins: 24

Draws: 15

Losses: 14
Goals for: 97
Goals conceded: 64

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Goals scored per game: 1.8

Goals conceded per game: 1.2
Win percentage: 44.4%

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Premier League: 7^th

FA Cup: 4^th round

Capital One Cup: 4^th round

Europa League: Last 32