Video: Carragher and Souness criticise Rodgers’ “obsession with 4-3-3”

Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness were in the Sky Sports studio for the defeat at Man United on Saturday, and both were visibly angry about how poor the Reds were.

Carragher admitted that United were “deserved winers”, nothing – like most supporters and observers – that when Danny Ings was named in the teamsheet pre-match it surely meant he would be alongside Christian Benteke up front.

“I said before the game it must be two up front with a diamond formation but he still played 4-3-3,” Carragher said.

“I don’t understand what the point was in playing Danny Ings in that wide position. He still didn’t get the support to Benteke.

“Think about how many strikers Liverpool have on the books, they don’t have wide players. Firmino isn’t a wide player.

“Origi came on as a striker, you’ve still got Sturridge to come back so I don’t understand this obsession with playing 4-3-3.

“Brendan Rodgers came to the club wanting to play 4-3-3 and it didn’t work. The great season Liverpool had was with two strikers.

“He’s got a lot of strikers, wide players, and he continues to play 4-3-3.”

Souness added: “It was square pegs in round holes. It just didn’t work.

“Firmino doesn’t want to be out there and nor does Ings, who spent most of first half running back towards his own goal.

“You have to make players feel comfortable in the positions they are playing in. It was only when Jordon Ibe came on that Liverpool had a naturally wide player who was happy to be there.

“Liverpool had players who didn’t look like they were enjoying their football.”

MAN UNITED 3-1 LIVERPOOL POST-MATCH COVERAGE

• ANALYSIS: Rodgers’ position in question
• PLAYER RATINGS
• TALKING POINTS: Lack of character, negative tactics, Skrtel & Lovren calamitous
• FAN REACTION: Time for fresh ideas
• MATCH REPORT: Second half strikes sink poor Reds

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Liverpool – listless, lifeless, losers

Liverpool have performed well for 45 minutes of the 450 played this season, writes Caislin Boyle after the miserable defeat to Man United.

Different time zone, same outcome – a second successive Liverpool defeat hurts just as much in Vietnam. As I sit typing this, I initially struggle to find the appropriate analytical angle, until I realise that there isn’t one, and that’s precisely the point. Liverpool were devoid of any of performance, and therefore there is very little to pick apart and dissect. That said, without analysis there would be no article so let’s proceed.

Brendan Rodgers made one enforced change for this fixture and teased fans by including Danny Ings, who it was hoped would act as a foil for Christian Benteke. Instead, Ings was hoisted out to the left wing, contributing minimally, forced to play more like a wing-back, and making way after 74 minutes.

It must also be said that making a single enforced change after the abject defeat to West Ham shows a blind faith that that performance did not warrant.

The first half barely merits mentioning, such was its tepid, dull nature. However, Liverpool even managed to look at sea against a United team whose focal point was a limited midfielder. The partnership of Lovren and Skrtel must make Sahko wonder what he has to do to start, and Lucas bustled around midfield committing his usual flurry of fouls.

Firmino, perhaps understandably, still looks unsettled in the league and in the lineup. Even the usually reliable Nathaniel Clyne and thus-far impressive Joe Gomez were far from their best.

The second period came to life courtesy of Daley Blind’s finish, after which Liverpool began to resemble an attacking outfit. Ings had a good opportunity clawed away by David De Gea, with Skrtel and Firmino also having chances.

The concern is that it took a United goal to ignite the attacking instincts within Liverpool that in the past formed the cornerstone of their play. One of Rodgers’ trump cards has always been that his teams will remain committed to swashbuckling, exciting football, come hell or high water. Based on the early games of this season, he no longer has this to rely on.

A needless penalty added comfort to United’s lead, with Benteke’s screamer a rare highlight. Ardent fans hoped the comeback was on, the cynics amongst us hesitant to do so. While Anthony Martial’s first contribution in English football may not have been expected, the result was.

Whether the loss was 2-1 or 3-1, the immediate and intense pressure on Rodgers is fair and justified, given his most recent summer spree. Significant outlay should equal progress, but it does not feel like Rodgers’ side has improved since their humbling at Stoke. The reality is that no real strides have been made, with two scarcely deserved wins against Stoke and Bournemouth fooling no one.

Defenders of Rodgers will point to the first half showing at Arsenal – Liverpool have performed well for 45 minutes of the 450 played this season. That is simply not good enough, and Rodgers must shoulder the blame.

Liverpool have one more point than at this stage last season. The statistics read that both teams had the same number of shots, with Liverpool managing one more on target. United shaded possession and the corners were even at four apiece.

The statistics also read that Rodgers has beaten United only once in his Liverpool career. It’s unclear how many more chances he will get to redress the balance.

Chelsea have started the season similarly inauspiciously, yet Jose Mourinho has shown he has the managerial wherewithal to drag his team from their malaise. Despite his love of the word, Rodgers is yet to show such character.

Caislin Boyle

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“Nowhere for Rodgers to hide” – Morning papers react to Man United 3-1 Liverpool

Liverpool lost 3-1 at Man United on Saturday, performing dreadfully at Old Trafford. We take a look at how the newspapers reported the game.

Losses to United are never a nice experience, but this one felt particularly bleak.

There were times during the game when it looked as though both Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool had completely lost their identity.

The tactics were as bemusing as the team selection, and there was an alarming lack of heart, as Louis van Gaal’s side strolled to victory in the second-half.

It leaves the Reds on seven points from their opening five Premier League games, and the calls for Rodgers’ sacking are now louder than ever.

Here is how the morning newspapers saw the game:

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, one of Rodgers’ biggest defenders in recent times, admits the Ulsterman is at a new low as manager:

There was one major difference between this setback and the Reds’ previous failure down the East Lancs Road last December – the absence of hope.

This time there were no crumbs of comfort for Kopites to cling to. There were no signs of promise amidst the wreckage of a damaging defeat. There was also nowhere for Rodgers to hide.

Liverpool got exactly what they deserved after serving up an error-strewn and largely passionless performance which defied belief considering the occasion.

So much for seeing a spirited response following the debacle against West Ham. All the travelling Kop got was more of the same.

[…]

Many wanted him (Rodgers) sacked back in May and nothing so far this term has changed their minds.

David McDonnell of the Mirror felt Christian Benteke‘s stunning goal was much-needed in terms of the Belgian’s confidence:

For much of the game, Christian Benteke had been bullied off the ball by opponents with nowhere near his physical strength, chiefly Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian.

Just as he was in Liverpool’s abject 3-0 defeat at home to West Ham a fortnight earlier, Benteke was anonymous, shrugged off the ball with ease and failing to capitalise on his physical threat.

And with just one goal for Liverpool since his £32m summer move from Aston Villa, a dubious one from an offside position against Bournemouth, he badly needed something special to prove himself worthy of his exorbitant transfer fee.

That duly came with his spectacular scissor-kick six minutes from time.

The jury is still out on Benteke, who has endured a slow start to his Liverpool career, but his goal at Old Trafford could provide him with the spark he needs to kick-start his Anfield career.

The Daily Telegraph‘s Mike Whalley was not impressed with Simon Mignolet‘s performance:

The Liverpool goalkeeper endured a torrid campaign last season, losing his place in Brendan Rodgers’ first team after a series of high-profile and calamitous errors. To his credit, Simon Mignolet appeared to have navigated those troubles with a strong end to the season and his restoration to the number one spot. Early signs in Liverpool’s biggest game to date were not good, however.

A misplaced clearance set up a United attack, there were a couple of unconvincing punched clearances which, on another day, might have led to trouble and, most worrying of all, he rolled the ball directly to Juan Mata although, fortunately for the visitors, the United midfielder squared for team mate Marouane Fellaini to clear the crossbar by some feet. This is nowhere near the crisis of last season, but Mignolet’s status bears some closer scrutiny.

ESPN‘s Richard Jolly focussed on the negativty of Liverpool’s display, and how it failed to pay dividends:

A promising start is beginning to resemble a false dawn for Liverpool, who have lost their past two matches. They have now suffered three consecutive defeats to Manchester United, indicating that the balance of power between England’s two most successful clubs has swung firmly back in the favour of the men from Manchester. Considering United may prove their rivals for fourth place, that should be a concern.

[…]

They came to Old Trafford for a 0-0 draw and, just as they did in their home defeat against West Ham, conceded three times. Brendan Rodgers’ negative game plan may have been deemed a qualified success following a wretched first half. By the final whistle, it certainly was not.

The Daily Mail‘s Rob Draper felt equally uninspired by the performance:

Liverpool, presumably with the 3-0 embarrassment against West Ham in mind, barely seemed concerned with such minor matters as keeping the ball or constructing attacks. They hurried and harried here and there with the commendable spirit of a mid-table scuffler.

They did defend better than the capitulation against West Ham but their use of the ball on the few occasions they had it was uninspiring.

The Echo‘s Kristian Walsh was another who stated how precarious Rodgers’ position now is, following another abject showing:

Make no mistake, the Liverpool manager cannot wait until December this time around to fix things. Two consecutive defeats, and just seven points from 15 – but worryingly, still no real sense of what this new-look Liverpool side are about.

In mitigation, this was a Liverpool side without its captain and its focal point of attack, and it has come after an international break. United did have a midfielder up front in place of the injured Wayne Rooney, however, and their squad is full of internationals too. Both teams were hamstrung, in part, through circumstance. No excuses.

Five games at the start of the season is no real period to judge. But the stench of last season, briefly wafted away in the opening three games, is back. This is not just a defeat to United, but one to follow the two losses last season; the capitulation against Arsenal; the defeats to Aston Villa, Hull, Crystal Palace and Stoke.

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Video: Brendan Rodgers on Liverpool’s need for more creativity

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers speaks to the press following his side’s 3-1 defeat to rivals Man United in the Premier League.

“We’re disappointed with the result, and disappointed with the performance,” said the Northern Irishman.

Rodgers said his side were organised in the first half but didn’t keep the ball long enough to create opportunities.

He lamented the award of the free-kick which led to the first goal for United.

“We showed good character to then get on the front foot,” he praised, noting Christian Benteke‘s excellent.

“Plenty of effort, plenty of commitment, but we need to be better with the ball,” he said.

Rodgers discussed the need for better creativity, having scored just three goals in their opening five games.

MAN UNITED 3-1 LIVERPOOL POST-MATCH COVERAGE

• ANALYSIS: Rodgers’ position in question
• PLAYER RATINGS
• TALKING POINTS: Lack of character, negative tactics, Skrtel & Lovren calamitous
• FAN REACTION: Time for fresh ideas
• MATCH REPORT: Second half strikes sink poor Reds

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Jordon Ibe could be fast-tracked into England senior squad

Roy Hodgson has told Jordon Ibe he can break into the England squad if he performs well over the next few weeks.

Ibe received his first England Under-21 call-up earlier this month, but Hodgson is considering fast-tracking the Liverpool winger into the senior set-up, possibly even as early as next month, when England play their dead rubber qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.

“He is someone we have been looking at,” the England manager said of the 19-year-old.

“I want Jordon to fight for his place in the team, like everyone else, but he is certainly a player we like very much, one who we have our eyes on and no (it’s) far from impossible that he gets called up in one of the next games.”

Hodgson has known about Ibe for a while. Former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told the Three Lions manager a few years ago that the pacy winger had the potential to become a star.

“Many years ago Stevie mentioned Jordon Ibe to me,” Hodgson said. “He said: ‘We have got this young lad, he is something special.’ He had the same feeling about Raheem (Sterling).

“We must be careful. People take their time. There is competition in his place.

“If he wants to break into our team he will have to keep doing well for Liverpool and maybe keep doing well for the Under-21s and wait his chance. But if you are asking me does he have the potential and ability? Absolutely, 100 per cent.”

Ibe may have only played 21 times for Liverpool, but if he needs any encouragement about his England chances, he should look at Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw.

None of the trio had made their England debut at this stage of last season, but come May they were heading to Brazil as part of Hodgson’s 23-man World Cup squad.

Ibe is eligible to play for Nigeria through his father, who was born in the African country, but as far as Hodgson is concerned the winger has pledged his allegiance to England.

“People play for the (England) Under-21s because they want to play for England,” he said “If we do call him up it won’t be because we are worried about other nations.”

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Jose Mourinho told me of his deep respect for Liverpool supporters – Gerrard

Jose Mourinho may be enduring one of his worst periods as Chelsea boss but he has a firm fan in former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who believes the Portuguese would have excelled with the Reds or even England.

The Blues lost 3-1 at Everton in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off and have just four points to show from their opening five matches in the Barclays Premier League – their worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1986.

But Gerrard, who was linked with a move to Chelsea in Jose Mourinho’s first tenure at Stamford Bridge, believes the 52-year-old is a high-quality manager and would have relished the opportunity to work under him at Merseyside.

In his autobiography, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder wrote: “It was clear that, tactically, he could set up his team to win any football match… because he was a pure winner. But, more than that, he created a special bond with each squad he managed.

“You heard it in the way his players spoke about him. You saw it in the way they played for him.

“For me, the ideal situation would obviously have been for Mourinho to have managed Liverpool. He was linked with a move to Anfield a couple of times but it never materialised. I know I’m biased, but I think it would have been a perfect match.

“The Liverpool fans would have loved him and he would have known exactly how to turn that love into adoration. He always told me about his deep respect for our supporters. Jose would have had a fantastic time bringing huge success to Liverpool.”

Gerrard also believes Mourinho would have got the best out of England’s golden generation, which suffered quarter-final exits at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups as well as Euro 2004 under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“If Jose Mourinho had managed England in 2004 and 2006 I’m convinced we could have reached at least one major final,” added the 35-year-old.

“Imagine what he could have got out of a group that included (David) Beckham, (Paul) Scholes, (Michael) Owen, (John) Terry, (Gary) Neville, (Wayne) Rooney, (Sol) Campbell, (Rio) Ferdinand, (Frank) Lampard, (Ashley) Cole, Gerrard and a few others.”

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Relegation Form: Liverpool’s last 14 Premier League games

15 Premier League games ago, Liverpool beat Swansea City and Brendan Rodgers claimed his side could finish the season as high as second – since then they’ve lost 7 of 14 games and have a goal difference of – 12.

After a fifth successive league win and 13 games unbeaten, Rodgers got carried away and talked up his side finishing second to champions-in-waiting Chelsea.

“Manchester City’s result at the weekend (a 1-0 defeat to Burnley) gives us an opportunity to finish second,” he said.

“Our mentality, the run and confidence we have at the moment we’re just going to take that into every game and see where it takes us.”

Within a week, Rodgers’ side had suffered a home defeat to Man United. A week later it was a 4-1 thrashing at Arsenal. A fortnight later it was a dire FA Cup semi-final exit to Aston Villa.

Defeats to Hull City, Crystal Palace and Stoke City followed before the season ended, shipping 10 goals in those three games alone.

Somehow Rodgers survived such a poor run of form.

After five games of the new season, his side already have a negative goal difference and have won just two of their five matches – one courtesy of a Coutinho strike from 25 yards and the other a fortuitous offside Benteke goal.

That gives Liverpool the following Premier League record in their last 14 games – since Rodgers said they could finish second:

PLAYED: 14

WON: 4

DRAW: 3

LOST: 7

POINTS: 15

CONCEDED: 24

SCORED: 12

GOAL DIFFERENCE: – 12

Over a 38 game season, that would be 40 points – the amount often cited as being required to survive relegation.

Next up for Liverpool is a Europa League trip to Bordeaux on Thursday. A return to European competition – where Rodgers has won 6 of 16 games (excluding qualifiers) in his time in charge at Anfield.

MAN UNITED 3-1 LIVERPOOL POST-MATCH COVERAGE

• ANALYSIS: Rodgers’ position in question
• PLAYER RATINGS
• TALKING POINTS: Lack of character, negative tactics, Skrtel & Lovren calamitous
• FAN REACTION: Time for fresh ideas
• MATCH REPORT: Second half strikes sink poor Reds

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Brendan Rodgers: “Creating goals is something we need to look at”

Brendan Rodgers was taunted with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” as he left Old Trafford on Saturday night.

“We need to be a lot technically better than we showed today,” the Liverpool manager said.

“Creating goals is something we need to look at.

“I thought in the first half we defended well but had nowhere near enough quality and composure on the ball.”

Rodgers admits it will take some time to get over his third straight loss to United.

“This is the biggest game in this country, maybe in the world in terms of derby games,” he said.

“When we won 3-0 it felt great. When we lost 3-1 it doesn’t. It is difficult for the supporters. We have to go away and do better.”

MAN UNITED 3-1 LIVERPOOL POST-MATCH COVERAGE

• ANALYSIS: Rodgers’ position in question
• PLAYER RATINGS
• TALKING POINTS: Lack of character, negative tactics, Skrtel & Lovren calamitous
• FAN REACTION: Time for fresh ideas
• MATCH REPORT: Second half strikes sink poor Reds

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Brendan Rodgers’ position in question after inept defeat at Old Trafford

After another insipid performance from Liverpool in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Manchester United, Jack Lusby questions Brendan Rodgers‘ position.

After a 3-1 loss away to top-four rivals Manchester United on Saturday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will likely be forced to bat away questions surrounding his future on Merseyside.

But are they valid questions?

Goals from Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial gave Louis van Gaal a priceless victory at Old Trafford, cancelling out Christian Benteke‘s awe-inspiring overhead kick.

However, it was the manner in which the Reds limped to defeat that should be the cause for concern for supporters and the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group.

Rodgers got this completely wrong, and this damning result will see pressure mounting at Anfield.

The Setup

Liverpool’s starting lineup was screaming for a return to the 4-4-2 diamond formation that had proved so successful previously.

With Lucas Leiva operating as a midfield anchor, the energetic James Milner and Emre Can the shuttling diamond flanks and Roberto Firmino in his natural No. 10 role behind Benteke and Danny Ings, this Reds selection looked to be primed for a fluid, attacking approach at Old Trafford.

But, of course, that wasn’t to be.

Kicking off in a turgid 4-5-1, Liverpool were clear in their intentions from the start—despite this effectively representing a must-win clash in the race for the top four, all Rodgers wanted was a point.

Ings and Firmino were deployed in confused wing-back roles on the left and right flank respectively, while Benteke was once again isolated as the lone centre-forward.

Looking to nullify United’s attacking game, this cynical setup was designed to frustrate—and it did.

But perhaps not those whom Rodgers intended.

Ings worked tirelessly on the left flank, supporting the floundering Joe Gomez as well as looking to link up with Benteke whenever possible, but in replacing the suspended Philippe Coutinho the 23-year-old was tasked with way too many responsibilities.

Was he not signed as a striker?

Similarly, Firmino’s defensive, off-ball efforts were commendable, but was this not the £29 million signing poised to reinvigorate Liverpool’s attack this season?

As United eventually capitalised on the opportunities handed to them by an error-ridden defensive core of Simon Mignolet, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Lucas Leiva, Liverpool had no answer.

Going behind to Blind’s embarrassingly unimpeded 49th-minute strike, Rodgers needed to respond positively.

Unfortunately, his work on the touchline was as inept as it was on the training ground.

The Substitutions

Sixty-five minutes in: Firmino off, Jordon Ibe on.

Nine minutes later: Ings off, Divock Origi on.

Eighty-eight minutes on the clock: Lucas off, Alberto Moreno on.

The monotony of Rodgers’ tactical switches represented a manager devoid of a genuine grasp on proceedings.

Liverpool needed positivity after going behind, and a change in the system that was so blatantly sullying Benteke’s productivity. Instead, two of the brightest attacking talents were withdrawn and a like-for-like duo introduced.

Only with two minutes to go did Rodgers make a genuinely pragmatic change, with Moreno replacing the ineffective Lucas—but this was too late to change the game.

Instead, both Origi and Ibe were forced to take up the thankless, wing-back-cum-winger roles that Ings and Firmino endured, and Benteke was confined to isolation once again.

Asking a 20-year-old debutant and a 19-year-old clearly drained of confidence to influence a result at 2-0 down in one of the most daunting atmospheres possible was incredibly naive, and this showed when Origi and Ibe mustered just 23 touches of the ball between them.

Like Ings and Firmino, these were predominantly in wide, defensive areas.

This ridiculously flawed setup is mutating into an even more inept system by the game: key issues in defence, midfield and attack are being ignored, with a lack of initiative from Rodgers extremely worrying.

After three seasons at the helm on Merseyside, there is still no discernible vision being implemented by the manager.

Lack of Vision?

“He’s a forward-thinking coach at the forefront of a generation of young managers and will bring to Liverpool attacking, relentless football,” Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said on Rodgers’ appointment in 2012.

The manager himself outlined his ambitions, saying he wanted to “retain the values of the club.”

“For me [the attraction], is to defend the principles of this great club, offensive football with tactical discipline, and to retain the values of the club,” he said.

“That was the attraction, the history of the club.”

The manager’s mission statement was clear: to restore Liverpool to their former glory, by way of an attractive, attacking style of play.

Three years and close to £300 million spent and Liverpool remain far removed from their storied, offensive ideals.

This is a manager who joined the club with such optimism and promise; one who inspired an unexpected title challenge in 2013/14, and had proven his Premier League pedigree with Swansea City.

It was a considerable punt by FSG, but one which promised considerable reward.

Unfortunately, the Reds are floundering under Rodgers, and at present their attacking failures should be the least of his worries, with Skrtel and Lovren representing one of the least compatible centre-back partnerships in the club’s history.

These are basic errors that are being overlooked, with mistakes repeated ad nauseum.

At Old Trafford on Saturday, Liverpool set up to play a brand of negative football that put the efforts of Gerard Houllier and Roy Hodgson to shame, and with this resulting in a 3-1 loss to their most bitter of rivals, this is unforgivable.

Rodgers is seemingly drained of the optimism and audacity that made him such an attractive proposition back in 2012 and Liverpool such an enjoyable side to follow in 2013/14, and while early wins over Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth this season papered over the cracks, the problems are becoming abundantly clear.

Banging his head against the wall isn’t producing results, and precocious talents such as Ings, Firmino, Origi and Ibe are suffering as a result.

A ruthlessness and pragmatism must be restored for Liverpool to recapture their attacking verve.

Rodgers is running out of time to prove he is the right man to do so.

MAN UNITED 3-1 LIVERPOOL POST-MATCH COVERAGE

• ANALYSIS: Rodgers’ position in question
• PLAYER RATINGS
• TALKING POINTS: Lack of character, negative tactics, Skrtel & Lovren calamitous
• FAN REACTION: Time for fresh ideas
• MATCH REPORT: Second half strikes sink poor Reds

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Lack of character, negative tactics, Skrtel & Lovren calamitous: 5 talking points from Man United defeat

Following Liverpool’s abject 3-1 defeat at Man United, Henry Jackson selects five points of discussion from the Old Trafford showdown.

There haven’t been many more depressing losses than that over the last five years or so, and Brendan Rodgers now finds himself in a very precarious position.

Liverpool’s performance was appalling from start to finish, and the fact that they only started trying to play football once they fell behind made it all the more frustrating.

Christian Benteke‘s magnificent acrobatic strike was the only high point, as goals from Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial sealed an easy win for Louis van Gaal’s men.

There was barely a good performance in sight from a Reds player, and you can’t help but wonder where this side goes from here.

The defeat is a major setback in Liverpool’s 2015/16 campaign, and serious questions should now be asked in the coming days.

Here are five talking points from a dire evening in Manchester.

Complete lack of character

We all know how annoying Rodgers’ constant use of the word ‘character’ is – no doubt he mentioned it in his post-match press conference – but the irony is that his side have very little of it.

Despite the Reds facing their biggest rivals, in one of the most high-profile club matches in the world, there were far too many players who looked disinterested and lacked fight.

There was very little leadership from experienced heads like Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren (more on them later) while Lucas Leiva, James Milner and Emre Can were all strangely lacking a spark in midfield.

A rash challenge by Milner on Ashley Young did at least show that Liverpool’s captain on the day had some fire in his belly, but that is very much clutching at straws.

Rodgers loves to laud the courage and bravery that his players supposedly show on the pitch, but in truth, there is a complete dearth of it being shown right now. Has he lost the dressing room?

Negative tactics

Those wonderful memories of 2013/14, when Liverpool played some of the most attractive, attacking football in the club’s history, now feel like a lifetime ago.

Once again Rodgers approached the game in an incredibly negative manner, and it was truly depressing to watch. It was like watching a relegation-threatened team visit Old Trafford, playing for a 0-0 draw.

While the stalemate at Arsenal was far from a bad result, and we played well in the first half there, it was simply a matter of time before the Reds were punished for playing such toothless football.

Where were the runners in and around Christan Benteke? When did Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez really get forward on a consistent basis from full-back?

It felt as though Rodgers was trying to emulate his former colleague Jose Mourinho’s tactics away to rival teams, but the defensive quality and all-round lack of discipline made it a disaster waiting to happen.

Terrible use of Firmino and Ings

When it was announced that Danny Ings would make his first start for Liverpool, there were plenty who felt Rodgers may finally be adopting a 4-4-2 diamond formation again.

Partnering the 23-year-old alongside Benteke, with Roberto Firmino at the tip of the diamond, would give the Belgian more support and get the best out of all three of the Reds’ summer signings – each then playing in their natural roles.

Instead, Rodgers decided upon a 4-3-3 that effectively became a 4-5-1, with Ings and Firmino deployed on the left and right, respectively.

It proved to be a shocking decision from the Liverpool manager, with both players failing to influence the game in an attacking sense.

Neither Ings or Firmino created a single chance during the game, and they almost played as deep as wing-backs for much of the contest.

It is the sort of tactical error that leaves you baffled, and will be one of many things the supporters cannot get their heads around.

Mignolet, Lovren and Skrtel’s ineptitude

So much has been made of Dejan Lovren’s place in the team and Martin Skrtel’s patchy form, and they once again showed why they are one of Liverpool’s most unconvincing centre-back pairings of the Premier League era.

Lovren may not actually have been at fault for any of United’s goals, but he showed no authority at any point, and always felt like an accident waiting to happen.

Skrtel bizarrely has many admirers still, but his defending for Anthony Martial’s goal was nothing short of atrocious.

He is 30 years of age now and should be the undisputed leader of Liverpool’s defence. Instead, he is as error-prone as anyone. The back-line will never be good with him in it.

There was a always a feeling that Rodgers’ stubbornness in continuing to play Lovren and Skrtel would prove to be his downfall, and that is looking more and more likely by the week.

Simon Mignolet also deserves plenty of blame, with his nonsensical roll-out almost gifting United an early lead, and his general kicking, passing and aerial presence flattering to deceive throughout.

As a defensive trio, Mignolet, Lovren and Skrtel are fast becoming one of the least dependable in the Premier League.

Philippe Coutinho sorely missed

If anyone wondered just how important Philippe Coutinho is to this Liverpool team now, you only have to look at Saturday’s performance.

The Brazilian is by far the most creative, influential player at Anfield, and the lack of guile without him was truly alarming.

Lucas, Milner and Can are all very fine footballers in their own right, but none ever looked capable of unlocking United’s defence.

Firmino, meanwhile, is making slow progress in terms of getting used to the Premier League, and like Ings, was being played completely out of position.

Apart from Benteke, who did an admirable job up front considering how isolated he was, it was impossible to see where a goal was possibly going to come from without Coutinho’s wand of a right foot on the pitch.

It really is alarming how one-dimensional the Reds looked without their brilliant talisman, and while new signings will improve and a few attacking players are set to return from injury, there is now a real feeling of ‘if Coutinho doesn’t do it, who will?’

Let us know your thoughts on the match in the comments below. Where do you feel Liverpool lost the game?

MAN UNITED 3-1 LIVERPOOL POST-MATCH COVERAGE

• ANALYSIS: Rodgers’ position in question
• PLAYER RATINGS
• TALKING POINTS: Lack of character, negative tactics, Skrtel & Lovren calamitous
• FAN REACTION: Time for fresh ideas
• MATCH REPORT: Second half strikes sink poor Reds

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Man United 3-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings

Following Liverpool’s hugely disappointing performance and result at Old Trafford, Ben Twelves provides his player ratings. 

Man United 3-1 Liverpool – Premier League – Old Trafford – Saturday, 12^th September 2015

Simon Mignolet – 6 (out of 10)

The Belgian stopper endured a mixed overall afternoon at Old Trafford.

His distribution was erratic at times and decision making too, but he could do little about any of the goals and was certainly not helped by the dodgy centre back pairing ahead who did little to protect him.

Nathanial Clyne – 6

A lot of United’s play was focussed down Clyne’s side, and he dealt positively with most of what he had to do.

He did give away the free-kick for United’s opener after being twisted by Ashley Young, but he was solid for the most part, despite being limited going forward – though hardly his fault with an inept attacking display.

Martin Skrtel – 4

The Slovakian is becoming a real liability at the heart of Liverpool’s defence and he was no different at Old Trafford where he turned in a spineless display.

Skrtel was his usual nervy self in possession causing panic numerous times with is inability to deal decisively with anything that came his way, and his defending for United’s third goal when one-against-one with Anthony Martial was shambolic.

Dejan Lovren – 4.5

Lovren was lucky to keep his place in the side after his inept showing against West Ham and he turned in another poor but marginally improved display at Old Trafford.

He was indecisive and lacked ability to deal confidently with threats posed, and his distribution was unambitious throughout.

Joe Gomez – 5.5

Penalty incident aside – which the teenager will learn from – Gomez produced a decent overall performance at Old Trafford.

He was solid defensively bar his moment of madness, and was reliable in possession throughout despite again being fielded out of position at left-back.

Lucas Leiva – 5

It was a totally ineffective evening for the Brazilian in his holding midfield role where he failed to impose himself on the game.

He was slow and unaware to United danger throughout, and his sloppy distribution put the Reds on the back foot on too many occasions.

James Milner – 5

Captain in the absence of Jordan Henderson who was sorely missed, Milner failed to provide any inspiration, turning in a really poor display.

For his industrious work, which wasn’t at the levels seen since his arrival, the stand-in skipper lacked quality on the ball too often and struggled to impose himself on proceedings.

Emre Can – 6.5

Can was one of the Reds better performers on a dreadful overall afternoon in central midfield.

His efforts ultimately proved fruitless, but the German at least actually tried to engineer some positive play throughout with some driving runs to support the isolated Christian Benteke and looked to press constantly to force a way back into the game.

Roberto Firmino – 6.5

Despite being positioned in a negative and restrictive wide role, the Brazilian was arguably the Reds’ best performer on a poor afternoon.

Firmino demonstrated quality on the ball attempting to instigate some creative play in the final third and he worked well out of possession with little support before being withdrawn after 65 minutes.

Danny Ings – 6

It was certainly an afternoon to forget for Ings on his first Reds’ start but it was far from a dreadful individual performance from the 22-year-old.

Stationed in an unproductive wide role like Firmino, the natural striker was limited in his impact, but he was disciplined defensively in his flank duties, and provided some lively moments which unsurprisingly came when he tucked in to central areas, including drawing an excellent save from David De Gea with a left-foot strike.

Christian Benteke – 6

The Belgian’s wonder goal dragged Liverpool back into the game, but overall Benteke had a poor afternoon.

The 24-year-old was not helped by being so isolated in a hugely restricting set-up, but he did nowhere near enough to force his way into the game with a real lack of energy failing to provide a mobile, industrious outlet up top.

 

Substitutes

Jordon Ibe (on for Firmino 65th) – 6

The teenager came on into an ugly situation but enjoyed a better and far more positive 25 minutes cameo.

He was direct and determined, drew a fine save from David De Gea with a rapsing left-foot drive and played a part in Benteke’s stunning consolation with his cross deflected into the Belgians reach. Much more promising from the 18-year-old.

Divock Origi (on for Ings 73^rd) – 5.5

As with Ibe, it was hardly an ideal situation to come on into, but Origi looked lively and direct in the time he was on.

Alberto Moreno (on for Lucas 88^th) – N/A

There was little time for the Spaniard to make an impact, though he did manage to make one embarrassing air-kick.

Brendan Rodgers – 3

It was an afternoon that almost had a feeling that there’s no way back for the Liverpool boss from here after a predictable and woeful defeat.

His decision to make only one change after the appalling loss against West Ham proved the stupid move many thought it was, and while it could be argued substitutes Ibe and Origi at least threw up some positives, the damage was ultimately done by Rodgers’ abysmal selection and set-up.

MAKE YOUR RATINGS

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“Time for fresh ideas & direction”- Liverpool fans react to 3-1 defeat to Man United

Following Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Man United on Saturday, we round-up the best social media reaction from the game.

A hugely depressing afternoon at Old Trafford saw the Reds downed by their bitter rivals, as the pressure on Brendan Rodgers intensifies.

Goals from Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and debutant Anthony Martial were enough to see the hosts to victory, despite a wonderful strike from Christian Benteke.

It was virtually the only positive to take from a dreadful all-round performance, and Liverpool’s decent start to the campaign now seems like a distant memory.

Here is how social media reacted to English football’s biggest game:

Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments below.

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Man United 3-1 Liverpool: Second-half strikes sink Reds

Liverpool lost 3-1 to Man United at Old Trafford on Saturday, following second-half goals from Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial.

Man United 3–1 Liverpool

Premier League – Anfield – Saturday 12th September 2015

Goals: Benteke (84); Blind (49), Herrera pen (70), Martial (86)

Pre-match

Brendan Rodgers was without key man Philippe Coutinho, following the Brazilian’s red card against West Ham at Anfield two weeks ago. It was the only change from that dreadful 3-0 defeat.

Danny Ings replaced the 23-year-old to earn his first start for Liverpool, as Rodgers’ men looked for a precious win at the home of their bitter rivals.

There was no Wayne Rooney for Louis van Gaal’s side, while new big-money signing Anthony Martial started on the substitutes’ bench.

Could the Reds get back on track?

First-half

Liverpool’s shaky-looking defence nearly came unstuck in the opening exchanges, with Simon Mignolet‘s ridiculous roll-out almost punished by Marouane Fellaini.

It was an extremely lethargic opening 20 minutes by the visitors, with Christian Benteke clearly isolated on his own up front.

Nathaniel Clyne shot comfortably wide following good work by Joe Gomez, but it was Liverpool’s only real attack of note midway through the first-half.

It was a dismal opening 45 minutes; especially in comparison to great Liverpool-United clashes of years gone by. A stalemate looked most likely.

Second-half

Ashley Young replaced the disappointing Memphis Depay at the interval, but there were no changes for Liverpool. The second-half couldn’t be any worse than the first.

Four minutes after the break United were ahead. Daley Blind finished emphatically after Juan Mata’s cut-back, and Rodgers’ men had it all to do.

Ings forced David De Gea into a decent save shortly after, and it was frustrating that Liverpool only upped their game after falling behind.

Blind cleared off the line and Roberto Firmino failed to convert in the resulting melee, as the Reds continued to look for an equaliser.

Martial and Jordon Ibe replaced Juan Mata and Firmino for their respective sides with a quarter of the game remaining.

United put the game to bed with 20 minutes left, as Ander Herrera converted a penalty following a reckless challenge by Joe Gomez.

A sensational late acrobatic strike from Benteke made it 2-1- one of the finest strikes you could wish to see- but Martial’s solo effort sealed victory.

Questions will now really be asked of Rodgers, whose tactics and team selection were strewn with errors.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez, Lucas (Moreno ’88), Can, Milner, Firmino (Ibe ’65), Ings (Origi ’74), Benteke

Subs not used: Bogdan, Toure, Sakho, Rossiter

Man United: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Carrick (Schneiderlin ’72), Schweinsteiger, Mata (Martial ’65), Herrera, Memphis (Young ’46), Fellaini.

Subs not used: Romero, McNair, Rojo, Valencia.

Referee: Michael Oliver

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Man United vs. Liverpool – LIVE – Follow the Reds’ rival clash here

Liverpool make the short trip to Old Trafford on Saturday evening to take on top-four rivals Manchester United. We’re live to bring you the latest.

Man United vs. Liverpool
Saturday, 12 September 2015; 5:30pm BST
Old Trafford
Premier League

Man United vs. Liverpool is live on on Sky Sports 1 for UK viewers. Our live coverage updates automatically and is brought to you by Jack Lusby. Have your say on Twitter using @thisisanfield and @jacklusby_.

• MATCH PREVIEW: Danny Ings to replace Coutinho in Liverpool XI vs. Man United?

Teams

Man United: De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Memphis; Fellaini

Substitutes: Romero, McNair, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Valencia, Young, Martial

Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Lucas; Can, Milner; Firmino; Ings, Benteke

Substitutes: Bogdan, Sakho, Toure, Moreno, Rossiter, Ibe, Origi

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Confirmed Liverpool team vs. Man United: Danny Ings starts at Old Trafford

Summer attacking addition Danny Ings is named in Liverpool’s starting lineup for Saturday’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

After coming on to make his Liverpool debut in the 3-0 defeat to West Ham United, Danny Ings has been named in Brendan Rodgers‘ starting lineup for Saturday’s clash with Manchester United.

With Philippe Coutinho suspended after his sending off against West Ham, Ings replaces the Brazilian in what looks a much-changed setup for the Reds.

A four-man midfield of Lucas Leiva, Emre Can, James Milner and Roberto Firmino will support the attacking duo of Ings and Christian Benteke.

Captain Jordan Henderson and midfielder Adam Lallana both miss out due to injury.

Rodgers’ back four remains unchanged, with the manager maintaining his faith in under-fire centre-back Dejan Lovren.

Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel and Joe Gomez complete Liverpool’s back line, while Simon Mignolet retains his spot in goal.

This means that Adam Bogdan, Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno all keep their places on the bench, alongside Jordan Rossiter, Jordon Ibe, Divock Origi and Kolo Toure.

Rodgers will be hoping Ings can make an impact against United, with his side lacking attacking force in the first four games of the season so far.

Ings’ support could well see £32.5 million summer signing Benteke thrive.

Man United:De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Memphis; Fellaini

Substitutes: Romero, McNair, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Valencia, Young, Martial

Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Lucas; Can, Milner; Firmino; Ings, Benteke

Substitutes: Bogdan, Sakho, Toure, Moreno, Rossiter, Ibe, Origi

• More from Ings: Liverpool confident Danny Ings can be a threat to Man Utd

• Player Focus: Danny Ings offers Liverpool a solution with Philippe Coutinho suspended

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