"We know it’s not going to be easy, but we are really looking forward to the challenge."
Those were the words of Liverpool boss Matt Beard ahead of the Reds' exultant return to the Women's Super League. After a two-year exile to the second tier, Liverpool secured promotion back to the top flight in scintillating fashion, notching up a 20-game unbeaten run to cruise to the Championship title last April.
However, the extent of the challenge facing the Reds in the WSL has been laid bare in the first half of the season. A stunning comeback against reigning champions Chelsea on the opening day was succeeded by a seven-game winless run that saw Matt Beard's side plummet down the table.
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The results do not necessarily paint the full picture however, and Liverpool managed to pick up a much-needed three points against Paul Konchesky's West Ham before the WSL winter break.
With the league now inching ever-closer to its January return, we're taking a look back at the Reds' season so far.
September
Liverpool opened their WSL campaign with a mouth-watering clash against reigning champions Chelsea. It was a David and Goliath battle; the newly-promoted Reds taking on a Chelsea team looking to kickstart a campaign that could yield their fourth consecutive league title.
It was a nightmare start for Matt Beard's side, who conceded a penalty just minutes into the tie after summer signing Gilly Flaherty brought down Guro Reiten inside the box. The early setback could have caused the Reds to implode but instead they weathered the storm before the talismanic Katie Stengel netted twice from the spot in the second half to hand Liverpool the three points.
It was a dazzling comeback in front of record crowd at Prenton Park - the Reds could hardly have scripted a better top flight return. However it was a victory that signalled something of a false dawn for Liverpool, who were promptly brought back down to earth with the visit of Brian Sorensen's new-look Everton side to Anfield.
It promised to be a jubilant occasion as 27,574 fans turned out to watch the local rivals go head to head, but the Blues dealt Matt Beard's side their heaviest defeat of the season, scoring three without reply in a performance that perfectly illustrated the competitiveness of the WSL.
October
Liverpool's losing run continued into October, though their disappointing form could perhaps be mitigated by the fact they were coming up against three of last season's top five. A narrow defeat to Tottenham at Brisbane Road was followed by the visit of league leaders Arsenal to Prenton Park.
The hosts came out on the front foot but their early composure was quickly quashed as the Gunners scored twice in seven minutes to ensure the points travelled back to North London.
It looked like the Reds were on course for a decent point against Manchester City to cap off the month as Katie Stengel's strike restored parity at the Academy Stadium. However, a late winner from Hayley Raso meant the Reds picked up their fourth consecutive defeat and went into November desperately needing to get some points on the board.
It wasn't all doom and gloom though, as victories over Sunderland and Leicester City put the Reds in pole position to secure qualification for the knockout stages in the Continental League Cup.
November
After a string of tough fixtures in the WSL, November brought with it a run of what looked like - at least on paper - winnable games for Liverpool.
The first of those fixtures came with the visit of Carla Ward's Aston Villa to Merseyside. It was a cagey affair with both sides spurning early opportunities to put themselves in front.
However, it was Lioness Rachel Daly who landed the killer blow - the striker netting from the penalty spot in the second half to ensure Liverpool once again left the field empty-handed.
The Reds managed to halt their losing streak when they travelled to fellow league strugglers Brighton. The visitors were 3-1 down heading into the closing stages at the Broadfield Stadium before late goals from Shanice van de Sanden and Rachel Furness clinched an important point for Matt Beard's side.
Liverpool followed up their clash with the Seagulls with another action-packed 3-3 draw against Reading, before a win over Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers extended their flawless run in the Conti Cup.
December
Liverpool started the month with what felt like a must-win game against mid-table West Ham. And the Reds made the perfect start to the contest at Prenton Park, Ceri Holland slotting home inside three minutes to give the hosts the lead.
It was perhaps Liverpool's most complete performance of the season, and Katie Stengel's sixth goal of the campaign ensured the Reds picked up a vital win to move to ninth place in the WSL table. Matt Beard's side were denied the opportunity to further add to their points tally when adverse weather conditions prompted the postponement of their clash with bottom-of-the-table Leicester.
Liverpool signed off for the winter break with a defeat to Manchester City in the Conti Cup, however the Reds will still progress to the quarter finals as the best second place team.
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