It’s still a learning curve for Rodgers’ Liverpool

BRENDAN Rodgers has often likened Liverpool’s route back to the upper echelons of English football to a long road. It’s to be expected, then, that the steps forward will be small and there will be mistakes made along the way.

On Sunday at Old Trafford there were both. As such the Liverpool manager will have headed back home unsure whether to be encouraged or disappointed.

A natural optimist, he will perhaps have allowed himself to think back to moments in the second half when his team imposed themselves on their great rivals with direct, energetic football that could – with a little more serenity in front of goal – have brought an equaliser.

As Rodgers (pictured) stood on the touchline, the anxiety that spread through the home support would not have escaped him.

He is a pragmatist too, though, an analyst of the fine details that often make the difference at the top level.

As such, the way his team surrendered possession persistently in an opening half notable for some timid Liverpool football will have served only to convince him that several of his players need to harden their resolve as he tries to move this great club back through the forward gears.

Liverpool were as disappointing in the first 45 minutes as they were impressive in the final half hour.

Certainly the introduction of Daniel Sturridge at half-time helped and the seeds of a partnership with Luis Suarez were sown on a pitch that, appropriately enough, resembled an allotment in parts. It’s a long way back from 2-0 down anywhere, though, never mind at Old Trafford.

Rodgers’ summary was as honest as it was accurate.

“We were too tentative in the first half and any chances United had came because we gave the ball away,” said the Liverpool manager. “When you play an opponent in this rivalry, which is massive, you need to have courage and you need to have belief and I felt we were a wee bit too tentative. At half-time, I had to reinforce the mentality. These are really good players.”

Liverpool didn’t seem to have that many good players in the opening period, certainly not many who were on their game.

United’s opening goal was superb from their point of view, the speed and precision of the league leaders’ passing typical of the incisive football Ferguson’s team are capable of playing.

Liverpool should not have allowed it, though, as Patrice Evra was afforded too much time to cross from the left and Robin van Persie was given half a yard too much space by Daniel Agger. It is all the United striker needs.

There were other examples of slackness. In the centre of midfield, Joe Allen – whose form has bottomed out since a bright start to his Anfield career – endured a dreadful first half, his football littered with misplaced passes.

Elsewhere, Steven Gerrard could not exert any kind of influence while the furrow ploughed by Suarez up front was too often a lone one, Liverpool’s attempts to attack undermined by an absence of players in key areas.

The new Liverpool still seek a major scalp this season. When it comes, Rodgers believes it may be important. – Daily Mail