"Everyone knows how knowledgeable the Anfield crowd is given the great teams and great players they have seen over the years. And they know five defeats in nine home games so far is threatening to undermine their ability to sustain a challenge this season.
"But I still wouldn't bet against Liverpool finishing fourth - although the cracks that appeared last year between them and the leading clubs is widening - and that is why we won't see any knee-jerk reaction from the board over the future of the manager.
"Just nine points cover the fourth-placed side and Portsmouth, who are third bottom, and despite their reverses, Liverpool are still very much in the hunt for a place in the Champions League."
