Liverpool look certain to push for a top four place, but need to stop dropping points at home.
Star man: Luis Suarez
Notable mentions: Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique
Must do better: Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll
Manager: Kenny Dalglish’s hero status at Anfield is perfectly safe, but he could do with regular strong performances from £75m trio Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.
Grade: B
Verdict: Liverpool have looked good so far at times, but critics will say they are too dependent on Luis Suarez, as draws against Swansea and Norwich showed, although this could be negated looking at the all-round team performance which took them to a huge 2-1 win at Chelsea.
Of Dalglish’s summer signings, Adam and Enrique have consistently performed well, but the biggest concern is not of Henderson, Carroll or Downing, who are yet to seize games and settle, but of the injured Steven Gerrard, who has played just one game since March, with no return date set after his latest setback. Dirk Kuyt’s inability to hit the net so far this season is also another frustration, considering his excellent form last season.
Not having the distraction of European football is proving a bonus for Liverpool and could prove decisive down the home stretch, expect one or two more signings in January to solidify their charge on the top four.
image: © wonker
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