THE RE-INVENTION

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers tried to reinvent Steven Gerrard’s position on the pitch by selecting him in a much deeper role in the draw with Aston Villa. However, this tactics was heavily criticised after Gerrard looked out of sorts in the 2-2 draw. It was one of the reasons behind Liverpool conceding two goals early in the first half. Even though the Liverpool captain scored in the second half through a penalty, the tactics to employ him in a position similar to Andrea Pirlo has been criticised.

The criticism does not appear to have affected Rodgers, who has confirmed that the player will be utilised in a similar position for the upcoming FA Cup match against Bournemouth. Even Gerrard himself admitted that it was a tactics that did not work, but he is prepared to work harder on it. Daniel Sturridge scored the goal for Liverpool in the comeback, but they were unable to get the third goal that would have given them on three points. As a result, they have dropped further behind the title challengers – Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

They are also coming under threat from Everton and Tottenham, who have levelled Liverpool in the table after all teams have played 22 matches.

Rodgers says that Gerrard continues to play an important role in the team.

“It is a mark of his identity as a player that he could influence the game in that offensive area. It just shows his importance to the team, with the pass he played to put Luis in [to win the penalty] and his composure to take the penalty under pressure. The system is irrelevant. Our style will always be to control and dominate games and at times this season we have had to be flexible and adaptable in our play,” said Brendan Rodgers.