Champions need stars to align now

WHEN does a drama become a crisis? Liverpool may well be pondering that question after a worrying run became a full-blown reason for genuine concern.

- BY IAN DOYLE

A dismal defeat to Manchester United sent the Reds tumbling to a fourth successive loss for the first time since November 2014.

Those were the dark days that signalled the beginning of the end for then-manager Brendan Rodgers, who had been compelled to rebuild his attack following the departure of Luis Suarez and a serious injury for Daniel Sturridge.