Six of Liverpool’s ten outfield players against Aston Villa were new signings made by Brendan Rodgers this summer – with four of them, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Alberto Moreno and Mario Balotelli, making their home debuts for the club.
It’s unlikely that, had Rodgers not been deprived of several first-team players through injury – Daniel Sturridge, Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen, Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan – so many new faces would have lined up the same XI.
Indeed, it was a completely new look front three of Lallana, Balotelli and Markovic that looked particularly disjointed.
The decision to rest Raheem Sterling – who is, remember, still only 19 years old – after his exertions for England during the international break, may have ultimately backfired for Rodgers. But he faces the difficult task of managing the expectations and fitness of one of the country’s most talented youngsters.
Along with the new front three, Philippe Coutinho, deployed in the No. 10 role against Villa, also failed to impress.
Villa defended deep and organised, but Liverpool lacked creativity to break them down, barely testing Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.
Bizarrely too was the use of the 4-2-3-1 formation, rather than a midfield diamond or 4-3-3 that was so successful last season, this looked more like Roy Hodgson’s England than Brendan Rodgers’ free-flowing Liverpool that we became so accustomed to watching last season.
Furthermore, the use of Jordan Henderson in an often much deeper role than he has played of late for Liverpool wasn’t effective either.
Overall it was a bad day for all concerned; Rodgers’ tactics failed, the new signings and debutants weren’t able to click, and more concerns were raised about the fragility of Liverpool’s defence – something that was supposed to have been aided by the signing of Dejan Lovren from Southampton for £20million.
Lovren was again caught the wrong side for the opening goal, Philippe Senderos getting the better of him. His form needs to improve fast if he is to prove the defensive rock and leader that Rodgers needs at the club.
Liverpool don’t have long to nurse their wounds from this defeat, with a return to the Champions League on Tuesday. A win is imperative to regain some momentum.
Source: Metro UK
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