Brendan Rodgers has always been a manager looking to try new systems but his latest Liverpool line-up was torn apart by a well planned West Ham system.
Rodgers was left clueless 30 minutes into the game.
Scoring goals was only half the issue at Liverpool last season but with the purchases of Danny Ings and Christian Benteke, the problem looked half-solved.
Benteke has started every game of the season as expected but Rodgers’ continuous use of a lone striker is becoming predictable for opposing managers. Liverpool haven’t dominated a whole game this season, winning twice by the odd goal.
This should be a concern for the manager and the 0-3 loss to West Ham at Anfield has not helped his cause. With a top-four target, Liverpool would be expected not to drop points to teams in the bottom half.
The 2013-14 season is a good example of the success of two strikers been utilised properly. With Daniel Sturridge’s imminent return to action, Rodgers will be expected to pair him with Benteke up front; yet he has not yet tried pairing Benteke with another striker.
Also, the midfield is so narrow, and this can be seen when Joe Gomez had an opportunity to cross but couldn’t given that he is one-footed. With the big man upfront, more crosses have to be made into the box where he is more of a threat.
Liverpool seem to focus their play in the middle of the pitch and when the ball goes out wide, there are few options as the forwards have been dragged back to the middle as well, therefore the ball is returned to the centre again.
Rodgers will have to balance the play by either starting players like Alberto Moreno, who can swing in balls from the wing, or playing two strikers. Playing two strikers can give Liverpool a new dynamism to their play.
This can be seen when Radamel Falcao came on and scored for Chelsea against Crystal Palace. His presence helped relieve some pressure off Diego Costa which led to the goal. Hence, having someone like Divock Origi or Ings with pace, playing off Benteke might prove more effective for Liverpool while waiting for Sturridge’s return.
The other issue with Liverpool is their defence. After three clean sheets already this season, they conceded three goals on the weekend with both centre-halves contributing to them. Mamadou Sakho was back on the bench this weekend and he has been handed the best opportunity to stake a claim to start the next game at Old Trafford.
Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel proved once again why the fans have been on the manager’s neck to sign an established centre-back. The mistakes each made were very avoidable and cost Liverpool three points.
Both Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne will have to improve both defensively and offensively as well. Gomez is great in defence but offers little going forward while Moreno is good going forward while prone to mistakes defending. Sacrificing one for the other is a tough decision but I think Moreno is the best option seeing the manager’s persistence with one striker.
The international break will calm things down, but with players travelling around the world for their respective nations, Manchester United await Rodgers and his team when they return. He will hope to get something from the games as both teams look shaky at the moment.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
With a certain inevitability, Manchester City are suddenly in charge of the Premier League title race. Arsenal and Liverpool both produced lethargic performances under…
Liverpool have endured a humbling night after Atalanta left Anfield with a 3-0 victory that places the Serie A side on the brink of…
Over to you, Liverpool. Arsenal and Manchester City have done their bit in the latest chapter of the English Premier League's tight title race,…
Alexis Mac Allister scored a stunning goal to help Liverpool beat Sheffield United 3-1 and reclaim top spot in the English Premier League. Darwin…
Mo Salah has kept his composure, putting aside a series of missed chances, to send Liverpool top of the Premier League with a comeback…
Xabi Alonso will remain manager of Bayer Leverkusen, the Spaniard has announced, ending speculation that he would join one of his former clubs Liverpool…
