article_snippet: The loss at Old Trafford when Rodgers first introduced a three-man defence and played Raheem Sterling up front now appears to be a watershed in the club
article_snippet: After last season’s thrilling challenge for the league title, Rodgers reacted bravely when the first half to this campaign did not go according to plan.
article_snippet: Emre Can has emerged as a key figure in Liverpool's three-man defence in the past few months .
article_snippet: Summer signings Mario Balotelli, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert were sidelined, while club captain Steven Gerrard was allowed to negotiate a deal to join LA Galaxy this summer.
article_snippet: Instead, Sterling was used as a centre-forward until Daniel Sturridge’s recent return from injury as Rodgers returned to last season
article_snippet: At the back, Emre Emre was asked to be part of a back-three with Martin Skrtel and the restored Lovren.