The most avoidable aspect of Liverpool’s crisis at both ends of the pitch is an ongoing ineptitude at defensive set- pieces. Eduardo Vargas’ second goal from the QPR bench – a routine unmarked near-post header from Leroy Fer’s injury- time corner – was their fifth conceded from dead-ball situations in eight matches. On a day of few positives, there were at least flashes in the final moments of the counter- attacking prowess that made Liverpool so thrilling and deadly last season, with a visibly refreshed Raheem Sterling and decisive Coutinho at the heart of much of their best work. This enduring ability alone may give Rodgers hope of fending off wave after wave of pressure from a star-studded Madrid attack that has racked up 40 goals in its first 13 matches this term. But unless Liverpool can tighten up defensively and garner their threat on the transition with goals of their own, being part of a ‘great advert for the Premier League’ will be scant consolation amid a world of pain on Wednesday.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 17:40:13 +0000
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