Reds' lack of depth shown up by loss

Luis Suarez (r): Shows his frustration during Liverpool defeat

Rich Kitto believes Liverpool's defeat to Chelsea on Sunday highlighted the lack of depth in their squad rather than any tactical failing.

Time, the indefinite progress of events and existence, has been a key facet in the narrative of Liverpool's title pursuit this year - the long overdue desire to reclaim a perch since taken by a rival and end a 24-year wait, the premature progress of a team in transition lead by a young manager, and the fading chances of a home-grown club captain to recognise a dream.

And in the additional minutes of the first half, as Steven Gerrard slipped over trying to chase down a ball that snuck under his boot, in turn releasing Demba Ba through on goal for Chelsea, time stood still. A season's hard work, a career's hard graft, pulled from under him in the most ironic and cruellest of manners.

Steven Gerrard: Crucial slip handed Chelsea their opening goal

The defeat to Chelsea was a hard lesson learnt at the expense of all those associated with Liverpool, neatly tying into the pre-match narrative of Brendan Rodgers, the pupil, coming up against his former master, Jose Mourinho.

Of course, Mourinho has since stolen all the headlines and plaudits - a tactical genius, a magician of the dark arts, a born winner - but how could Rodgers really compete with a team that were tooled with far better equipment than them?

So much of Liverpool's unexpected title challenge has been attributed to their lack of European commitments and distractions compared to their adversaries.

That's a fair comment, although there are both plusses and minuses to the absence of competing among Europe's elite, and whilst supporters of the Reds will feel rightfully disheartened by Sunday's events, they mustn't forget the key objective for the season has already been achieved.

Yes, as a result of this season's overseas exile, Rodgers has maintained a fresh team (not squad - more of that in a moment) whilst domestic competitors faced midweek games and tiring journeys abroad.

As such, the manager has had more time to focus and dedicate time on the training pitch, enabling the coaching staff to fine tune the fast-paced counter attacking football we have come to associate the club with this season.

Although at Anfield on Sunday, despite the fixture being sandwiched between two Champions League ties against Atletico Madrid, it was Chelsea that gained most advantage from their persistent presence in the tournament over the years.

The rumours were rife prior to kick-off around what sort of team Mourinho would name in light of Wednesday night's game. Jon Obi Mikel was set to play at centre half; Andre Schurrle as the lone front man; even Hilario was named in some provisional team sheets.

Jose Mourinho: Still managed to name strong team

But, even in the forced absence of Petr Cech, John Terry, Ramires and Eden Hazard, the Blues were able to name a team full of experience and quality, and much to their credit the team was absolutely excellent. Even young Czech defender Tomas Kalas, who was making his debut for the club, excelled.

Imagine the side that Liverpool would have been forced to name without their star men. In fact, such is the depth, or rather lack of it, in Rodgers' squad that Jordan Henderson's needless dismissal in the final stages against Manchester City two weeks back has been really felt.

Lucas, for all that he works hard, is not a playmaker, and his inability to move the ball forward and find the right space was a crucial reason for Liverpool's lack of exploits in front of goal. It meant that Philllipe Coutinho was forced into more defence splitting balls than normal, ultimately costing possession, in order to try and bring Suarez into the game.

Whilst the absence of European competition does have its advantages, the club's ability to attract the top players, despite the allure of the Liverpool brand name, is severely damaged, and as such Rodgers did not, and does not, have the quality of player to call upon that Chelsea and Manchester City have.

This was exemplified by the substitutions on Sunday. To sure up the defensive line whilst ensuring an attacking presence, Mourinho brought on around £100million worth of talent in Gary Cahill, former Liverpool star Fernando Torres, and Willian - with the two latter combining for the second goal in the dying embers.

There will be no irony lost on the Liverpool supporters watching Willian come on late and then proceed to score the goal that put the game out of reach, as the Brazilian was pursued at length by the Reds in the summer only for him to pick Stamford Bridge as his destination.

Iago Aspas: Introduced as substitute by Brendan Rodgers on Sunday

In contrast, Rodgers brought on Iago Aspas, who has been extremely disappointing since his arrival in the summer and will likely move on when the window re-opens, and a not fully fit Daniel Sturridge, a player, of course, not considered to be good enough to make the grade at Chelsea 18 months ago.

The fact that Rodgers only decided to use two of the allotted three subs even when in desperate need of a goal proves the lack of belief he currently has in his bench.

In fact, its fair to say that the only other option among similar circumstance he would have chosen would be to introduce loanee Victor Moses, who was ineligible to face his parent club.

After the defeat, there was a feeling around Anfield that all momentum has gone, and with it the chance of ending 24 years without a league title.

Those in the media and public will say that Liverpool have blown it, that it was all falling into their hands, and that they will never have another opportunity as good - all of which are contentious, but they now must rely on their cross-city neighbours Everton to do them a big favour.

Rodgers is expected to sign a new contract in the summer, and the club's managing director Ian Ayre has assured him that there are funds available with which to ready the team for a trip back into Europe.

It's obvious that the team needs strengthening in all departments, and equally that Rodgers must learn from the experience of Sunday if he is to avoid disappointment on the continental stage.

With the correct investment in the next window and the addition of those that can swing a game off the bench, Liverpool fans can still be confident that their team will be challenging for the big honours for some time to come

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