Like Manchester City, Liverpool proudly boast an unbeaten League record at home this season, entering their final game against Newcastle before the drama of 2012 unfolds.
But that is where all similarities end. Both clubs display stark home fortunes. City have comprehensively swept home all possible points this season – amassing a grand total of 27. Add that to an equation of 28 goals for and just 4 against, and it’s obvious why they are at the summit of the table. By contrast, Liverpool have only notched a miserly 3 wins out of 9, scoring only 11 goals in the process. Even the defensive prowess of Stoke, or the relegation dwellers of Rovers have done better than us in this aspect.
Now, I’m not suggesting for one minute that Liverpool are worst than Stoke or Blackburn Rovers, they definitely aren’t. The table reflects that, it showcases reality. That’s why whoever’s tops after 38 games are deserving winners of the title. But what irks me is Liverpool’s blatant inability to convert a chance, to score a goal. Having the lowest conversion rate in the League, when Liverpool have got at least £40m of firepower up-front in every game, is just something no one should accept.
In every of Liverpool’s six home draws this season, there has been a shout for the opposition keeper picking up the man-of-the-match award. From the opening-day draw at Sunderland, through to playing sides plying their trades at both ends of the table, the likes of Mignolet, de Gea, Ruddy, Vorm, Hart and Bunn have had credible claims for being the best player on the pitch.
It’s quite amazing to actually absorb the fact that most keepers come to Anfield, inspired, turning in Casillas-like performances. Even the Real Madrid veteran let in four goals in his last outing at Anfield.
For me, it’s time we actually looked at ourselves and stopped passing the buck off to every incredulous save they make. Why should we be overly bothered by how they do their job week in, week out? Must we be haunted by a pre-match myth that the opposition keeper is sure to turn in the game of his life?
Whilst watching the game against Blackburn, a few things frustrated the average fan in me. The problems clearly lie in attack. When play is built up from the likes of Agger or Skrtel from the back, why are we consistently let down by poor crosses going nowhere from the flanks, or why should someone decide to have a go 30 yards out; when there are clearly better options towards the final third, only to see him blast the ball into the upper echelons of The Kop’s stand?
The movement across attack is just not creative and incisive enough – no one really buzzes around their defence. Quite simply, the Reds play route one football in the final third. Carroll’s dropping back didn’t help especially when he consistently fails to be present when someone is badly needed up front. As and when Suarez has the ball, he is often isolated, facing two or three defenders and with no real support. No one really takes responsibility, the burden to score the goals.
Blackburn had a plan, they stuck to it, had a decent keeper and got a point. Much like most sides which also snagged a point at Anfield. Or could it also be that Liverpool have a mentality problem, especially when they are playing at Anfield? We can speculate, and I’m certainly inclined to think so, but no one really knows.
The gulf between sides like City, United and us is pretty clear for all to see. They beat lesser sides, easily. We huff and puff, but constantly to no avail. Should we have turned 3 home draws into 3 wins – Liverpool will be sitting on 37 points, definitely within a shout of the title. But the failure to beat these sides means that competing for the final qualification spot seems to be the realm, at least for now.
There is a saying – “Fortune favours the brave”. We haven’t been fortunate enough, but it is probably because we haven’t been brave enough.
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KK needs to bring back El Niño and that problem will b solved and also he has to stop buying overrated British players(Henderson,downing, Caroll, Adam) more than 80 mill. With that money we would have bought five players as good as Suarez.
Torres IS NOT the answer to the Reds scoring problems. Torres is only at his best playing off the last defender facing goal relying on pace.LFC used to play a style that suited his game.They dont now.You dont alter the style of play to accomodate one player. Thats is also why Carrol is struggling. He doesn`t fit our style of play.
You atr right, Bekim, stop buying overrated British players. I told Kenny several times bring Torres back.
As The Spion Kop points out, the problem is a recurring one – which points to a more fundamental issue of tactics as opposed to more ephemeral problems …
It`s amazing how a few wins/goals papers over other deficiencies…LFC have been at their best when when Suarez, Bellamy, Enrique link up on the left. Carrol should be used as a decoy player to take the play away allowing others more space.KD has to get the wingers to USE the wings not coming inside all the time.Downing, Johnson dont have good enough ball control to come inside.Kelly should be at right back.He does what it says on the can.Defends and gets forward QUICKLY. It will come good.
I agree with this post. Often a cross is made to a position which is void of players. The few crosses that are on target find no-one in the box. Our play in the box is poor! I think it is the decision making of the players that is questionable. They are unsure of when to put in the cross and when to shoot or pass. Poor decision making in the final third is letting us down. That needs to be worked on.