It is difficult to say exactly how Liverpool started, as a very early 22nd minute substitution that saw Manquillo go off for Sakho changed the formation. At that stage we had already gifted West Ham with two goals, and desperately needed to plug gaps.
The change saw us revert from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2, with Sterling and Moreno playing as wing-backs. This allowed us both to have enough men in defence as well as to pack the midfield which, up until that point, saw three very isolated yellow shirts.
What’s more is that once again we saw the opponent target deepest midfielder Steven Gerrard. Opposition attackers now look to press Gerrard so that he cannot play the first ball, or his trademark raking long passes. We also see our other midfielders get marked, making it difficult for us to get a tempo going – ensuring the killing of the high-tempo fluency that saw us devastate other teams last season.
Before the early sub, we once again saw the centre-backs and Gerrard get outnumbered by the opposition. Since we have fullbacks that get high up the pitch this season, we ask a lot of the defenders when we get caught on the counter.
Gerrard also looked far from sharp, and Rodgers has to realise that someone of his age cannot play three games a week. We need to identify someone who can rotate with Gerrard, or figure out a way to play while he rests.
Lovren seems to be having a tough time bedding in, with all defenders and the ‘keeper lacking an understanding and a commanding presence. Mingolet, too, looks bereft of confidence and is far too hesitant when coming out for 50-50s.
The game against West Ham, much like the season so far, has not been without its positives. One definitely is the fullbacks. We finally have two modern-day fullbacks who are proactive and competent on the ball. Moreno, in particular, looks a great purchase, his speed and aggression a joy to behold both in attack and defence.
Our attacking from wide areas has also been great. We dealt with Spurs by attacking via the wings, and looked good going down the flanks against West Ham in the second half. This has, of course, been supplemented by the fullbacks (and Sterling in the West Ham game). Whilst this may be promising – and most definitely a step forward in terms of attacking options – one could argue that we are forced to go down this way due to the aforementioned central deficiencies.
Another positive has been the performance of Mario Balotelli. Balotelli provides a great outlet for a long ball. A remarkably sturdy unit, Balotelli looks calm and composed in holding up the ball, and his attacking – whilst few and far between so far – looks promising. He looks a far cry from the lazy, selfish Balotelli we were supposedly getting.
The poor result against West Ham does not mean we are in crisis. What it does mean, however, is that we have detrimental issues in the team that need to be sorted out if we are to push on.
The season has, of course, not been all bad, and I still believe that the signings made have bolstered the squad.
Systemic issues in the defence need immediate attention and the issues with the midfield will test Rodgers’s ability to mix it up and think of new ways for the midfield to work in order to regain our fluency.
The loss of Sturridge is not to be forgotten, and we may have scored more against West Ham had he been on the pitch. However, since we have many more games this season than last, we need to know how to function without our key players.
What else we should not forget is that last season we had a slow start, comparable to the one we’re having now. The difference was that we managed to nick victories. It is not all doom and gloom and we definitely still have the squad to compete.
It is a testing time for Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers. We need comprehensive changes to get us back to being the team that won 11 in a row last season.
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