There have been plenty of ups and downs in Jurgen Klopp's 18 months as Liverpool manager. In 2017, things have levelled out and the fear at Anfield is that the team is flatlining.
The scale of Klopp's over-achievement in the early weeks of the season has been laid bare by the dismal performances of January and February. On New Year's Day, Liverpool were second in the Premier League, six points behind Chelsea. Going into Saturday's crucial home match against Arsenal, the Merseysiders have slipped to fifth place, 14 points adrift of the league leaders. It is vital that they arrest the free-fall at Anfield against a rival and fellow contender for the top four.