Liverpool have made their worst start in 50 years, but what’s to blame for their issues…
It’s official, Liverpool have made their worst start in 50 years. Brendan Rodgers’ side sit tenth in the Premier League with seven defeats from 16 games, more than the entire 2013-14 campaign, while they have also been knocked out of Europe.
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So where has it all gone wrong at Anfield? Here are eight possible sources of blame:
8) Steven Gerrard contract situation
The debate has raged on over whether or not Steven Gerrard deserve to start, whether he deserves a new contract and, since it’s been offered, whether he wants to sign it. With so much regarding one of Liverpool’s key players up in the air, there is plenty of focus being taken away from the pitch.
7) Simon Mignolet errors
Liverpool’s Belgian goalkeeper has continued to struggle this season, after conceding a record 50 Premier League goals last season, despite the Reds’ second place finish. Rodgers has recently dropped Mignolet ‘indefinitely’, and replaced him with Brad Jones.
6) Luis Suarez departure
Liverpool got a great deal on paper when they sold a troublesome player, already nearing his 28th birthday, for a club record £75m. But the loss of a player of Suarez’s quality cannot be underestimated. The Uruguayan is among the best in the world, and simply hasn’t been replaced.
5) Daniel Sturridge injury
When Liverpool sold Suarez, they were always going to turn to Daniel Sturridge as their new main man. Unfortunately, he hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since August, following several injury issues. With Sturridge on the sidelines, the Reds have been left relying on some of their lesser names.
4) Mario Balotelli’s bad influence
Lesser names AND Mario Balotelli, who has been a comprehensive flop since his £16m move from AC Milan. Rodgers knew signing the Italian was a gamble, but he can’t have expected the player to go without a goal in the Premier League until December (and waiting…). Add in his off the field antics – most recently his controversial Instagram post – and you can understand the distraction.
3) The weight of expectation
When Liverpool finished second last season, and were challenging for the Premier League title until the final day of the season, Brendan Rodgers was being compared to Bill Shankly. Unfortunately, that’s all fallen apart this season, and it hasn’t helped that the fans began to expect good results rather than hope for them.
2) Brendan Rodgers tactics
Last season, Liverpool played an exciting brand of attacking football that was full of goals. But without Sturridge and Suarez, their pressing style has faded, and many of the players now look lost and isolated on the field. Lumping the ball up to Rickie Lambert is not the answer.
1) Summer signings have flopped
Brendan Rodgers spent £120m this summer, and yet none of the players he brought in our guaranteed starters. The Southampton contingent – Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert have all struggled, while the likes of Emre Can and Lazar Markovic have barely got a look in.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news