At the End of a Storm: 6 stages in Liverpool's roller-coaster 2020-21 season

#5 Liverpool start the healing process after two and a half months of hurt

Are you not entertained!? 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/xpdQjfJeWg

— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) April 10, 2021

With their hopes of finishing in the Champions League places hanging by a thread, Liverpool required absolute perfection in the final 10 games of the season.

A variety of victories in the league gave The Reds some belief. A scrappy 1-0 win over Wolves was followed by a dominant display at the Emirates Stadium, as Liverpool beat Arsenal 3-0. However, defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final ended any hopes of European glory.

In between the two legs, Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a last-minute winner against Aston Villa to finally end the Anfield drought. The 2-1 victory was by no means a reversal of that 7-2 thrashing from October, but it would prove to be crucial in the context of Liverpool's season.

A common theme in these victories was the role Fabinho played in midfield. Jurgen Klopp placed him back in his preferred position, which in turn allowed Thiago Alcantara to play his natural game. The Spaniard quickly showed his immense class.

Monday: 87' vs. LeedsSaturday: 95' vs. NewcastleLiverpool have conceded a late equaliser for the second time this week. pic.twitter.com/RYpDlpeNfG

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 24, 2021

The German manager entrusted Nathaniel Phillips in the defense, alongside the ever-improving Ozan Kabak. However, Liverpool's chances suffered a severe blow.

Failure to close out games cost The Reds big, as they conceded late equalizers against Leeds and Newcastle. Both games ended 1-1, which seemed to be curtains for their top four hopes. In a season dominated by defensive injuries, debilitating fatigue, and poor finishing, it just wasn't to be.

Or was it?