Championship hopes bent and deflated

17th October - Sunderland Vs Liverpool (Premiership)

On the weekend that Liverpool’s two most notable absentees, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, were named among UEFA’s 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, it was fitting for a big red balloon to play a telling factor at the Stadium of Light.

Any team stifled of the presence, creativity and goal-threat of Gerrard and Torres is going to suffer. Add to those missing individuals an unfamiliar formation; a unimaginative midfield of inexperience; a lack of belief; poor individual performances; and an idiotic ‘fan’ who decided to fist a beach ball into Pepe Renia’s penalty area, and Rafa’s men left the North-East feeling deflated and being convincingly defeated.

We were second best against the Black Cats, as Jones’ strength and ball retention, combined with Bent’s pace and movement induced confusion and hesitancy in Liverpool’s 3 centre-halves. Cattermole and Cana displayed a feverish work ethic, running the show in midfield as Spearing and Lucas failed to impress Benitez ahead of the crunch midweek game against Lyon and the visit of Manchester United next weekend; a fixture that requires no added spice or significance.

What did disgust and surprise me was a Liverpool ‘fan’ on a post match radio programme claiming now is the time for Benitez to be sacked. Three consecutive defeats is not an envious position for any manager to be in, but to call for his firing is banal and shows a complete lack of respect. Benitez has transformed the club into a feared team on the continent, bought world-class players, cemented the team as a top four outfit, and guided the club to last season’s nail biting championship climax, Liverpool’s first 2nd place spot since 2002.

Benitez was correct in his post match analysis, stating that the players, and not a fortunate shot from Sunderland’s no.11, were the reason for the defeat. I think Rafa acknowledges that the formation was detrimental to the team’s performance. For all his tireless running, Kuyt is never going to lead the line like Torres does, while the full-backs were unusually poor, and Craig Gordon’s gloves were rarely required, as the attacking threat from the visitors asked many questions.

Benitez’s decision to replace Insua, whose solid attacking performances have been a joy to watch this season, with Aurelio, was questionable and the Brazilian’s final ball was poor. In defence of Aurelio, the Liverpool full-backs were not granted space to exploit Sunderland, which is testament to the methods employed by Steve Bruce in organising his team, even if his ability to choose man of the match performance is wayward.

What worries me is that the team has required a response after a poor performance in Europe, and the defeat to title rivals a fortnight ago. The game against Chelsea was a better performance, but at the weekend efforts were simply not good enough. Players were clearly low in confidence, and against in-form, buoyant opposition, a fighting mentality and organised unit was required.

Ex-Referees have argued that Bent’s goal should not have stood, but Rafa’s comments concerning the lack of desire from his team was admirable. We did not convert chances, and Sunderland asked questions of an unorganised defence and were unfortunate to not win by more. If a late David Ngog chance had gone in Sunderland would have collected 2 points in two games against title chasing sides, when 6 points were deserved in total.

We can only look to Tuesday’s game, ensuring the ship is settled, as thoughts turn towards Europe and qualification from the group stage of the Champions League, a 100% record Benitez will be looking to protect for the sixth consecutive season.