Liverpool’s fantastic winning run at Anfield was brought to an end by a determined Aston Villa side but Reds were at fault as well.
The merseysiders earned a hard fought draw coming back from two goals down but the result has given the opportunity to Everton to over-take and Tottenham to draw level on points.
Here are the three significant things Liverpool learned from Villa draw.
Defensive Woes
First thing first and it is by no means a new issue, Liverpool’s attack have been fantastic this season but the defensive concerns have been consistent as well.
Yes, the midfield pairing meant that Liverpool’s defense had to deal with more attacking threat but eventually they again conceded from crosses that they should have dealt with. Rodgers needs to fix things asap if Reds are to qualify for Champions League next season.
Gerrard is not a Quarter-Back
Steven Gerrard was paired with Henderson in the central midfield but mostly found himself alone trying to defend and he does not have the legs to perform that role as shown in the first half.
In the second period, Gerrard was pushed further forward and redeemed himself with brilliant performance. He is not a quarter back, never a lone holding midfielder at his age.
Liverpool Badly Need a Defensive Midfielder
The inclusion of Lucas Leiva in the second half made alot of difference in controlling Villa’s attack. However, the Brazilian got injured and we are still not aware about the extent of his injury and absence.
In any case, Lucas has not been at his best this season as well and Reds badly need a quality defensive midfielder to improve their defense. There is a reason why Chelsea have signed Matic, Liverpool need a DM for the same.
Yann M’Vila has been linked with a move to Anfield, Rodgers must do all to lure one quality DM this winter.
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Three Things Liverpool Learned from Villa Draw
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Liverpool badly need & left full & centre half aswell as a defensive midfielder no cover in these areas . Great comeback yesterday but Rodgers should have changed team around much earlier YNWA
Thanks to the dive by suares
Whatever works. I enjoyed it. #YNWA #SUAREZ #JFT96 #LFC #ANFIELD #Youarefootball
I never have never questioned nor contested many of Brendan Rodgers and FSG’S team purchases/selections/formations. But looking at all the reserves we purchased yet only to sit on the bench or be offloaded on loans to Spain or in league/championship makes me question the club mediocre purcases. If the underachieving purchases, are sent back, why bother spending the cash on the risks? As many have pointed out. Why didn’t we spend on a player who can come on as a starter or substitution like for like? 60+ million on defence only to concede as many goals as we have? Doesn’t make sense. The money should have been spent on midfielders plan and simple. Look at the other clubs in the top 4. Chelski, Shity, Arsenal, and Everton; all games controlled by the midfield. It’s not rocket science, if we had spent on decent DM AND MD’s we would be in a better position and not have as many defensive injuries. So now I question Brendan priorities selections and formations. Last question. FSG are in town? What convoluted penny pinching scheme are they selling the club now? You have had the beginning of the 2014to secure and buy players. Whats the hold up? And the loan to buy it getting old. Clubs what the money not layaway. The CL and EPL title aren’t and rent to own league FSG. Do you rent to own the over payed baseball players? Don’t think so. Are we a 4th place club? Well if the current trend continues I think not. Don’t want to be a pessimistic but I love my club and don’t want to fail.
Sorry for the grammatical errors
#YNWA #JFT96# #LFC #ANFIELD #SUAREZ