The state of play: Liverpool’s season so far

If anything was said to be consistent at Liverpool Football Club, it will have to be inconsistency and change. This is, in my opinion, a season which we will reflect on and regret the missed opportunities.

Pre-Season

The changes were mostly expected. Joe Cole was shipped out on loan, Poulsen as well, Jovanovic and Konchesky followed suit. Kenny Dalglish went big on English signings, signing Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson and Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing for what we can reflect on as overpriced signings now, but I reckon Jordan Henderson has the potential to change my mind in the coming weeks.

But the loss of Raul Meireles, in my opinion, was a huge blow for the Reds.

The League

A case of possession, territory and even more possession, whilst lacking that killer instinct to put the ball into the back of the net. The troubles began back in Day 1, after a Sebastian Larsson overhead kick condemned us to a draw. Dropped points followed suit, with us drawing against the likes of Norwich, Swansea and even Blackburn over the first half of the season, not to mention that defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

We have been sloppy at times, but we have proven we can match and even better the best in the league this season, with us achieving superb results against Man City in the Carling Cup and Man United in the FA Cup over the course of last week. Our two draws against them at home in the league weren’t bad results either. Liverpool should really regret the missed chances, as this is a season where we should be seeing ourselves above Chelsea FC at the moment.

We took five steps forward when Kenny Dalglish took over in January. This season, it seems as though we moved two steps back. Whether it be because of a Rafael Benitez-esque rotation system that he has been employing recently or whether it be complacency against the smaller sides, I’m not sure. But we need more players in the box and prepared to take the chance.

Luis Suarez’s suspension problems, Gerrard’s injury, coupled with Andy Carroll’s form have meant that the Anfield faithful have yet to see the deadly trio play together yet, but with Suarez’s suspension set to expire after the game over the weekend, one would think that this would indeed be a combination that our opponents will fear.

Lucas Leiva’s injury this season also left a huge dent in our Champions League chase, with the Brazilian midfielder suffering from an ACL tear. Furthermore, our passing has predominantly been very good – until we reach the final third. Agger and Skrtel have shown that they are better options at the back, with Jamie Carragher’s recent lapses in concentration causing dropped points in weeks before his axe from the first XI.

Liverpool FC currently lie in 7th, and it will be a tough task to recover and steal that 4th and final Champions League spot away from the likes of Chelsea/Arsenal/Tottenham.

The Cups

Kenny Dalglish looks as though he has put the same weight on Cups as he has on the league, with him seemingly playing a large portion of his first XI together with a couple of second stringers hoping to make an impression. What disappoints me is that the likes of Raheem Sterling and Connor Coady haven’t been given time to show what they can do in cups, which are normally a showpiece for youngsters to perform in.

But Liverpool fans should have nothing to complain about, after all, Liverpool have made it all the way to Wembley (League Cup Final) and we’re still going in the FA Cup, earning ourselves a final 16 date with Brighton & Hove.

Transfer Market: January 2012

A very quiet January in terms of transfer dealings. Not much to comment about despite all the speculation. No quality additions have been added thus far. Expect Dalglish to leave it late as usual.