Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday was met with an unusual sense of relief around Anfield for a side that had just clinched a 22nd consecutive home league win and moved 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Such has been the Reds' relentless run towards a first league title in 30 years that three defeats in three different competitions in four games was considered a slump in form. A 3-0 reverse at Watford deprived Jurgen Klopp's men the chance to match Arsenal's "invincible" unbeaten league season and a FA Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea means they cannot replicate Manchester United's treble of 1998-99.

Triple defeat hurts

However, the most damaging of the trio of defeats could still prove to be the 1-0 deficit they must overturn when Atletico Madrid travel to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League Last-16 tie on Wednesday. "It's a long season and you see how many games we've played. In any sport you play, it's impossible to be at your highest level all year, year in and year out," said James Milner, who produced a stunning goal-line clearance to secure victory against Bournemouth. You try your best and it just doesn't happen, and that's when you need to find a way to win."