Liverpool’s Rodgers is on the right track
WAS IT really just six weeks ago that Liverpool slumped to a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season?
Having watched Brendan Rodgers’ side swat aside Norwich 5-2 at Carrow Road, it seems incredible that this was the club’s first Premier League victory of the season.
After that off-day at the Hawthorns, we posed five questions new Liverpool manager Rodgers needed to answer. After Saturday’s display, we thought it only fair to look at them again...
IS LUIS SUAREZ THE BEST PIVOT AROUND WHICH TO BASE HIS ATTACKING OPTIONS?
ON Saturday’s evidence, undoubtedly. The difference now is that the Uruguay striker converted his opportunities and has teammates capable of creating more chances for him.
He was a menace all day, typified by his wonderful second goal.
He now appears to be the only one of Kenny Dalglish’s big-money purchases who has a real future on Merseyside. ALLEN looked the part on Saturday. In fairness, all of Liverpool’s players looked far more comfortable with the 4-3-3 system.
Rodgers used Allen as a holding midfielder alongside Lucas on the opening day – on Saturday the Wales international was used in a more withdrawn role, behind the impressive Nuri Sahin, but his energy was invaluable in closing down Norwich’s midfield.
STEVEN GERRARD HAS LOOKED ANONYMOUS.
GERRARD is another who appears to be getting to grips with what is being asked of him. He does not have the energy of old but the sign of a class player is how he adapts.
BOTH MARTIN SKRTEL AND DANIEL AGGER LOOKED SHAKY AGAINST WEST BROM. HAS THAT SITUATION IMPROVED?
WHEN they’re on top of their game, these two are arguably the best centre-back pairing in the league.
But the way Liverpool play leaves them more exposed than they are used to and it remains the area where Rodgers lacks options.
THE CONCLUSION?
LIVERPOOL will concede more because the emphasis has changed, but, as Norwich skipper Russell Martin said afterwards, they are a more fluid attacking force now.
Now that Sahin is getting up to speed, Rodgers also has a goal threat other than Suarez. Liverpool are by no means the finished article, but, all in all, exciting times. – Daily Mail