Brendan Rodgers to blame for disgraceful end to Liverpool's fairy tale

Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard doffs the captain’s armband for one last time

Emotions were running high yet again. After the debacle of last week when Liverpool lost their leader’s last home match at Anfield, the club would have been looking to give Steven Gerrard the farewell he deserved. His last appearence for Liverpool ever and this disgrace is what his team mates have managed to send him off with.

You would be forgiven for thinking that Rodgers would stick to a safe option and a stable formation after the Anfield fairy tale ended in disastrous fashion. But no. Rodgers, with his evergreen knack of tinkering with formation and selection proved yet again that he is NOT the man to take Liverpool forward.

This was a game where Liverpool had the chance to redeem last week's loss against Crystal Palace and say goodbye to its most loyal son on a high note. Yes, there was mixed opinion regarding Sterling's selection but that by no means meant that Gerrard should have been deployed as the false 9. His lack of pace is a well known fact and moreover when he was doing good in the holding or even advanced midfield roles, why take such a dicey measure for his LAST Livepool game ever?

Has Rodgers done enough to prove he is Liverpool’s future?

The first half was embarrasing, for a club which had finished as runners up last season. It was difficult to watch, let alone accept. 5 goals down. In the first half. Against Stoke City. In Gerrard's last match ever in the Premier League.

I fully support the decison to bench Sterling - his lack of respect for his makers totally justifies the decision. But what about the rest of the team selection? Why is Emre Can being played at right back repeatedly when we have a very able and fit Manquillo in the squad? Why replace him at half time? The consistency with which Joe Allen is selected in the team is baffling. Gerrard should have been deployed as the midfield general - the postion he has made his name in.

Yes, we do have striker woes. We have had them all season - but we did manage somehow or the other. Ricikie Lambert who has been massively underused like most of Rodgers' signings (read Assaidi, Aspas, Borini, Suso, Alberto and so on) should have been given a chance from the start. After all we did score as soon as he came on. Rodgers chose to keep Fabio Borini this season. WHY?

It was very good to see Steven Gerrard score that goal - the run and the finish reminiscent of his prime. But what have the club and Rodgers done to bid farewell to this legend? What has Rodgers done to prove that he is the man to carry forward the legacy? I was a Rodgers supporter up until the last few games but I think this should be the last straw.

As difficult as it is for me to say, the truth is that last season was a flash in the pan and unless there is a major overhaul at the club - in terms of players and management - the future looks bleak. I am forced to echo the sentiments of many other Reds around the world by saying, "Rodgers Out".

And to Steven Gerrard - sorry for the totally undeserving end to your decorated Liverpool carreer. Thank you for everything. You'll forever be missed in the Red of Liverpool.