Poor Liverpool Suffer Yet Another Setback

Over the past few years, Liverpool have failed to find any consistency in the league, having suffered setbacks throughout the campaigns. The story is no different under Rodgers as well. Stoke continued their fantastic home form as poor Liverpool had no answers and have got only themselves to blame.
The game could not have started in a better way for the reds having won their first penalty of the season inside first minute when Shawcross pulled Luis Suarez down. To no surprise, captain Steven Gerrard stepped up and scored from the spot but the lead did not last long.
Minutes later, in came a long ball directed towards Jones, Liverpool center backs Agger and Skrtel failed to deal with it as the latter slipped while the former touched the ball in Walters path who took a touch and struck the ball past Reina to equalize.
The Reds knew what they were up against coming into this fixture but lack of concentration combined with silly defending cost them dear last night. Stoke’s second goal came from a corner. Senseless marking helped Jones get in space and head the ball home to make it 2-1 much to the delight of home fans.
Liverpool were passing the ball well but that was matched by the pressing of Stoke side that did not give the reds a moment rest. The visitors could not create many clear-cut chances but their touches also let them down. Lucas and Suso provided two wonder balls for Shelvey and Suarez in the first half, if only they had a better first touch at those instants, they would have been through on goal.
Coming into the second half, Liverpool hopes of revival were blown away in the 49th minute. Yet again, their disastrous defending helped Stoke extend lead. Jones, who tormented Liverpool defenders all night, headed a throw-in for Walters who took a fantastic first touch and even better second to volley the ball in the net.
Liverpool have failed to qualify for Europe’s top competition for the past three years. For now, the Reds are 8 points off the champions league spot and the hopes of reaching there are looking dim again after this defeat. To move up the table, Liverpool need to find consistency. The last time they won 3 league games in a row was way back in April 2011 under Kenny Dalglish.
Six wins in 19 games is just not good enough, they might be playing attractive football but in the end only score-line matters and Stoke taught them the very same lesson. Champions League seems a distant dream at the moment. Whether or not recruitments in January can help them propel in the league, only time will tell.