Liverpool scraped through against minnows Carlisle United at Anfield on Wednesday night after winning 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out after both teams couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes in a 1-1 stalemate.
This was supposed to be a game that Liverpool should have gained some much needed confidence from with a comfortable win, but in what has become a common theme in recent months, Liverpool struggled to break down a team intent on frustrating by sitting deep and well organised defensively.
Liverpool are struggling to create chances and look clueless for ideas to break down teams set up in this way, but to struggle to break down a second division side is not only worrying it is embarrassing.
Brendan Rodgers is a man under pressure and he showed this with his team selection by playing so many first team regulars. The Reds’ boss started Skrtel, Clyne, Moreno, Milner, Lallana and Firmino in a strong team that meant he was desperate for a confidence boosting win.
The fixture was an ideal opportunity for Jordon Ibe (Liverpool’s only attacking wide player to gain some much needed confidence) to start, and Jordan Rossiter to gain more experience after his impressive game in France last week.
Rodgers decision to play so many regulars didn’t help his cause as he watched his team struggle again and this poor performance against a second division team heaps more pressure on the Liverpool manager’s position.
This was another embarrassment for Liverpool and Rodgers and they are sinking to new lows that leave you wondering how much time the owners can give Rodgers to turn things around, because it looks like it has got to the stage where it is impossible for him to turn things around with his players not believing in him anymore.