Liverpool FC Top 5 Goals of 2015

Henry Jackson

@HenryJackson87

December 31, 2015

With 2015 drawing to a close and Liverpool FC having played their final game of the year, we select the Reds’ finest goals from the past 12 months.

Well that’s it for another year. Once again we have experienced a turbulent 12 months as Liverpool supporters, with an eclectic mix of highs and lows.

2015 saw Brendan Rodgers’ reign as manager come to an end and Jurgen Klopp take over, in what was surely the biggest moment of the year.

On the pitch, it has all been rather disappointing, with far too many dropped points at home and some utterly appalling performances along the way.

There have been standout games, however, with Man City twice on the end of brilliant Liverpool displays and Chelsea taken apart on their own turf.

We have witnessed some glorious goals too, with long-range stunners, slick team moves and inch-perfect free-kicks in abundance.

Here are Liverpool’s five best goals of 2015.

5. Daniel Sturridge vs. Southampton

The importance of Daniel Sturridge to this Liverpool side cannot be stressed enough, and the 26-year-old outlined his brilliance with a virtuoso League Cup quarter-final display at Southampton earlier this month.

Sturridge equalised for the Reds with a typically ruthless finish, and it wasn’t long before he had turned the game completely on its head.

The goal owed as much to the brilliance of Emre Can as Sturridge, in fairness, with the German producing a magical outside-of-the-boot pass to find the Englishman.

Sturridge did the rest, finishing expertly on the half-volley on his weaker right foot to send the travelling fans wild.

Liverpool look a completely different proposition with him in the side.

4. Christian Benteke vs. Man United

It’s fair to say Christian Benteke hasn’t exactly set the world alight in a Liverpool shirt yet, and there are still many who remain unconvinced by the big Belgian.

The 25-year-old did show what he is capable of with a sensational strike away to Man United, however, on an otherwise pitiful afternoon for the Reds.

With Rodgers’ men 2-0 down and going nowhere, Jordon Ibe’s deflected cross was met in acrobatic fashion by Benteke, who fired an unstoppable effort past David de Gea.

It proved meaningless in the end, but had it been the winner, it would be further up this list because of its importance.

3. Philippe Coutinho vs. Man City

Philippe Coutinho has been Liverpool’s standout player in 2015, with several outstanding goals proving pivotal in important games.

This stunning effort against champions-at-the-time Man City was the Brazilian’s second-best strike of the year, and helped the Reds to a priceless win.

Jordan Henderson had already scored a very fine goal earlier on in proceedings, but it was Coutinho who, not for the first time, stole the show.

Picking the ball up out on the left-hand side, the 23-year-old curled a majestic shot past the despairing dive of Joe Hart and into the far corner of the Kop net. Anfield erupted.

2. Philippe Coutinho vs. Southampton

It was tough choosing which of Coutinho’s memorable 2015 goals was the best, but this beauty against Southampton was his finest of the last 12 months.

Liverpool were getting on a roll by February, believe it or not, and the trip to St. Mary’s was seen by many as a potential stumbling block.

Coutinho eased the worries of Reds supporters everywhere though, as he gave the visitors the perfect start with a piece of individual brilliance.

The ex-Inter Milan forward unleashed a rocket of a shot from 30-odd yards, and it gave Fraser Forster absolutely no chance.

The fact that it flew in off the underside of the crossbar made it even more spectacular.

1. Roberto Firmino vs. Man City

This may be a contentious choice in the eyes of some, but for its unique brilliance and teamwork, Roberto Firmino‘s beautiful goal away to City last month is Liverpool’s best goal of 2015.

Klopp was really beginning to show what an impact he was making as manager at this point, and the way in which his side tore City to shreds was a joy to watch.

An Eliaquim Mangala own goal and a lovely Coutinho effort already had the away fans delighted, but Firmino rounded off a stunning move to put them in dreamland.

A slick counter-attack eventually saw Coutinho’s long-range shot saved by Hart, but the hosts failed to clear the danger.

Can produced a remarkable back-heel to the Brazilian inside the area, and he laid on a subtly brilliant pass to his compatriot Firmino, who slid the ball into the empty net.

It was a special goal, and while it may not have been as emphatic as some of the others we have witnessed in the last year, it was stunning football that was made to look incredibly simple.