Time for Hodgson to put attack ahead of defence at Liverpool
Published:Improving the confidence of a dejected looking squad and adopting a more attack-minded mentality may prove the key areas that Roy Hodgson needs to work on if Liverpool are to escape the threat of Premier League relegation.
John W. Henry and Tom Werner’s takeover of Liverpool may have given some needed hope off the field, but it appeared to have little impact on it as another limp performance was produced against Everton.
A Merseyside derby should have proved the perfect occasion to display some passion and commitment, but Liverpool looked hugely short of ideas and low on confidence in the 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park.
This leaves them in 19th spot in the Premier League standings after eight games and only goal difference is saving them from propping up the table almost a quarter of the way into the season.
Liverpool are currently 10/1 to be relegated from the Premier League this season and Hodgson may do well to take note of the brand of football being played by pre-season relegation favourites Blackpool and West Brom.
Both sit in the top half of the table and have been rewarded for their attacking styles, rather than a dominant focus on putting defence first.
Hodgson witnessed success at Fulham based on a strong backbone and aiming for clean sheets as a chief priority.
However, Liverpool fans will not be content with countless draws against teams they feel should be being beaten.
Fernando Torres still seems way short of match sharpness when employed as the lone striker against Everton and maybe could have done with more support.
Meanwhile, some of the burden should be taken off the shoulders of Steven Gerrard as Liverpool continue to give him the ball as the sole hope of making something happen.
Liverpool are 13 points behind leaders Chelsea and are 200/1 to win the Premier League this season. See the whole Premier League winners betting odds market.
