I think it’s fair to say that most Liverpool fans will be feeling hard done by, as a result of their 2-1 defeat against Manchester United.
There was only one side out there that looked to take the game by the scruff of its neck and try and force a result. That was Liverpool. It was only a questionable decision on behalf of the referee that would allow Sir Alex Ferguson’s men back into the game.
Indeed, the first 45 minutes of the game were arguably the Reds best performance of the season. All the players were buzzing with energy: Steven Gerrard looked to be back at his effervescent best, pulling the strings in the centre of the park, Raheem Sterling made a right nuisance of himself and Luis Suarez looked direct and dangerous.
The only problem for Liverpool (and it’s been a pervasive problem for over a year now) was a lack of goals. Despite bossing the game, the Reds couldn’t get the goal they needed to go into half-time in the ascedency.
Instead, Jonjo Shelvey was sent off (in what was a fairly controversial decision) and the game was turned on its head. It allowed Manchester United a route back into the game and they capitalized in the second half.
Naturally, Liverpool fans will be feeling as though their luck is against them. The truth is, however, they just don’t have the goal-scoring ability they need to, in order to compete at the very top level.
Top four is now a very distant reality. It’s probably best to wind in expectations and try to build a team that will compete in the future. There are positives to be taken in here. Players like Raheem Sterling and Shelvey are incredibly talented youngsters, who will have big futures for Liverpool. The fact that their getting so much experience at a young age can only bode well for them and the Reds.
If it is to be a transitional season, then Liverpool look set to be making the most of it. Their frailties up front have left them limited in terms of options. But they’re not so limited when it comes to the number of young talents available for selection. Hopefully, it’s Brendan Rodger’s aim to let them express themselves, make some smart additions and look towards next season.
That would be short-term loss for long-term gain and would that really be so bad for Liverpool?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
is it really short term loss?
I think the loss(es) will be both short-term and 2 fold. LFC will lose a lot this season. These losses will also affect it’s ability to draw players to Anfield. That’s a double blow.
I think Mark Halsey’s performance at Anfield was shameful. I would like to suggest — but I cannot prove (which is why I am suggesting) — that his bank was fattened up with his dubious and biased calls Sunday. Somebody should investigate him. Am I the only person who thinks that his decisions were very one-sided? Somebody review the video evidence and zoom in on his face when he made the calls. I swear I detected small smirks when he made those critical calls for Man Utd and against Liverpool. He should be investigated and if proven to be on the take, incarcerated!
Borini is improving and maybe should be persevered with, he’s not finding the net yet but shows good movement off the ball, i think he will make it.
Excuses…excuses…excuses. I think Kenny D. would have done a much better job than this. The rate Liverpool are falling makes me wonder if we are going to play in Championship next season. Its all about getting results and Liverpool are definately lacking. This new tika taka system proves to be a big flop with Liverpool.
Have to agree Mark but its done we just have to get on with what we’ve got
I disagree Mark
We’re going to be so good in the near future! and then you’re going to have to eat your own words for dinner.
Daglish was rubbish….fact… he took us backwards, spent ludicrous money on garbage. His record from January till the end of the season had us sitting 18th on form so how would we have been better off under him? There was no improvement …it was quite obvious we were in fact regressing. Get over it he’s gone YNWA
Apart from Arsenal at home we look to have improved in each game. There were spells during the Sunderland and UTD games were we looked a very accomplished side. The goals will come.
Next up Norwich, Stoke then Reading… three games we can win.
Two or three seasons and they could be a half decent mid-table team…