Jordan Henderson has asked Liverpool fans to remain positive and not get frustrated during matches this season, even when we’re struggling to break a defensive side down.
Against Burnley, Manchester United and Southampton we’ve failed to find the back of the net after ‘bus parking’ opponents deployed very negative tactics, but due to our exhilarating attack, it’s the least we can expect.
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Last time out at St. Mary’s, we had more than enough opportunities to win the game, but couldn’t beat Fraser Forster in goal, so had to head north with just a point.
According to the skipper, positivity and support from fans until the very last minute will help us nick three points instead of one against these teams.
“I think because of the way we started the season, teams will come and try to defend and break up the play: they’ll want to disrupt our rhythm as much as possible,” he told Liverpool’s official magazine.
“But that’s part and parcel of football – teams might see that as the best way to get a point, or three, against us.
“We have to be prepared to face that scenario and when we do come up against it, find the solution to get a win.
“I also think in those situations a big part of dealing with opponents who want to keep it tight is about patience from everybody, both us players and our fans.
“The fans always get behind us and in games like that you probably need them to drive you on even more.
“If they get too impatient or frustrated, that can transmit to the pitch. We all have to keep going and continue to be positive because a goal might come in the last five minutes or the last minute. You have to keep pushing and believing, no matter what the score is.”
It’s Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday and if we thought Southampton were defensive, a relegation threatened David Moyes side will be a whole different animal – likely deploying what at times will look like a back-eight.
An early goal will undoubtedly help us on our way, but we have to accept we’re not guaranteed to rip sides apart every week and remember that the best sides can win ugly as well as they can with pizzazz.