Match Preview: Liverpool vs Fulham

Liverpool will be aiming to make amends for last Saturday's shock home defeat to Aston Villa when they host Fulham.

Prior to the visit of Villa, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had made brave noises about a top-two finish in the Premier League.

But those words had a hollow ring to them when the Reds headed for the dressing room 3-0 down at half time.

Rodgers has since admitted that Liverpool had a "bad day at the office", and with Liverpool languishing in 12th place he will be keen to bring some Christmas cheer to Anfield.

But there was some brighter news this week when Raheem Sterling committed his long-term future to Liverpool.

Fulham fans had to suffer the indignity of seeing their side become the first to lose to QPR this season at Loftus Road last Saturday.

This weekend they make the considerably longer trip to Merseyside, with their only away win this season coming in their previous visit to the north west, at Wigan in September.

The Cottagers have just one win in their last nine games, and they will be anxious not to move nearer the drop zone over Christmas.

But the travelling Fulham fans can take heart from their victory the last time they visited Anfield on 1 May this year.

Jose Enrique is in contention after returning to training following a hamstring injury.

Nuri Sahin is also available, having recovered from surgery on the broken nose he sustained against Udinese earlier in December.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas has started the last three league games following his lengthy thigh injury, but has said he is still short of full fitness.

Raheem Sterling, who has inked in a new contract at Anfield, could be rested with Suso likely to step in.

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell is suspended for the trip to Anfield after reaching five bookings for the season so far.

Full back Sascha Riether is available after recovering from a knee problem picked up in the derby defeat to QPR last weekend.

Mahamadou Diarra and Bryan Ruiz are still missing with knee and hamstring issues respectively.

Goalkeeper David Stockdale is likely to be on the bench after being recalled from his loan at Hull City due to Neil Etheridge's knee problem.

Liverpool Confirm New Deal For Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has committed his future to Liverpool after signing a new long-term deal this afternoon, the club has confirmed.

Brendan Rodgers announced in recent days that he expected the 18-year-old to put pen to paper on a new contract amid growing interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, speculation that has been put to an end with this afternoon’s announcement.

The former Queens Park Rangers youth player has flourished under Brendan Rodgers, who has thrown his faith into the teenager with positive results. Sterling has made 25 appearances for Liverpool so far this season, quickly becoming an integral part of the Rodgers’ first choice eleven, and has his eye on delivering more in the New Year.

“It's every 18-year-old's dream,” Sterling told Liverpool’s official website. “I'm just really grateful to be at such a big club like this.

"There's a lot more to be done. I haven't begun yet, as the manager has said. Hopefully I can kick on after the New Year and try to do my best for the team and the football club."

Sterling made the move from Loftus Road to Anfield in February 2010, a transfer instigated by current Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez. The Kingston-born starlet joins Luis Suarez, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Suso and Jonjo Shelvey on a list of players who signed new deals at the club since the summer.

Liverpool To Turn To Gameiro

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kevin Gameiro after a deal to sign Daniel Sturridge hit trouble.

A £12 million deal for Sturridge has been agreed with Chelsea, but Liverpool is having problems agreeing personal terms due to the demands of the striker’s agent.

Rodgers is still hopeful that the problems will be ironed out by the time the transfer window opens on January 1. But he is determined not to be caught out again after a failure to sign either Sturridge or Clint Dempsey in August forced him to negotiate the first half of the season desperately short of senior forwards.

Rodgers allowed Andy Carroll to join West Ham on a season’s loan on the understanding that he would be able to bring in Sturridge from Chelsea or Dempsey from Fulham.

Neither move materialized, with Dempsey instead joining Tottenham, and Liverpool were left with only Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini as senior attackers.

Borini picked up a foot injury in October and has not played since, while Rodgers has had to use midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as a stand-in when Suarez has been unavailable.

France international Gameiro, 25, is available after seeing his chances at Paris Saint-Germain limited by the summer arrival of Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Liverpool is keen to do a deal with Sturridge, but is also determined to get value for money out of the deal.

The club has spent more than £30 million in agent fees over the last four years, and owners Fenway Sports Group want to reduce that amount.

Ashley Williams Is A Reported Target For Liverpool

Liverpool is set to renew their interest in Swansea defender Ashley Williams in January, according to Sky Sports.

The 28-year-old Wales international has attracted attention from a host of Premier League clubs, as he continues to impress in only his second season in England's top-flight.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers knows Williams well from his time in charge in New South Wales, and reports suggest he could be planning to entice him to Anfield when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

Liverpool boasts a strong central defensive partnership already with Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger, and has Sebastien Coates and club veteran Jamie Carragher in reserve.

But, Rodgers is believed to be keen to find a long-term replacement for Liverpool's record appearance-maker, as he enters the twilight of his career.

Williams tops the Premier League's defensive charts for blocks, interceptions and pass completion, so it's easy to see why he is a target for a number of sides, including Newcastle United.

With that in mind, Liverpool will face a fight to secure his signature, with Swansea boss Michael Laudrup equally eager to keep his captain at the Liberty Stadium.

Tottenham & Liverpool Striker Target Available For £15million

David Villa will be allowed to leave Barcelona in January, and will be available for £15 million with Tottenham and Liverpool among the clubs interested in the striker, according Marca.

The Spanish newspaper also reports that the former Valencia forward will be allowed to leave for £10 million in the summer if he cannot complete a move away from the Nou Camp in the winter window.

Villa has fallen out of favour at the Nou Camp and hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes since returning from breaking his leg in the Club World Cup final last year.

According to Marca, Villa is unhappy with his lack of chances and sees his future away from Barcelona. The £40 million signing in 2009 is said to open to move in January, with Spurs and Liverpool said to be amongst a host of clubs vying for his signature.

Both Tottenham and Liverpool look short of options in attack and could be ready to make a move for the 31-year-old in January or at the end of the season.

Liverpool appear close to landing Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge but could still look to add options in attack in January given that Luis Suarez and the injured Fabio Borini represent their only options up front.

Tottenham meanwhile have only Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor to lead the line at White Hart Lane, with the Togolese striker currently struggling with injury.

Both Spurs and Liverpool could move to sign Villa in the new year or at the end of the current campaign, although his high wages could prove prohibitive for both clubs.

Liverpool To Be Priced Out Of Move For Benfica Star

Liverpool target Nemanja Matic is set to sign a new contract at Benfica that will increase his buy-out clause to £24.6m.

The former Chelsea youngster has established himself in the first-team at the Portuguese club this season following the departure of Javi Garcia to Manchester City.

And that has led to speculation linking him with Liverpool, who is keen to sign a midfielder to bolster Brendan Rodgers' options in the centre of the pitch.

But O Jogo have reported that Matic is on the verge of signing a new contract at Benfica that will see his deal extended to the summer of 2018 and his buy-out clause increased to €30m (£24.6m).

And that seems certain to end Liverpool's pursuit of the 24-year-old Serbian international.

No Liverpool Deal For Ince, Claims Blackpool Manager

Blackpool manager Michael Appleton has denied that Liverpool already have a deal in place for coveted winger Tom Ince, but has admitted the Merseyside club have been in contact regarding the England U21 international.

Reports earlier the week suggested that Liverpool had come to an agreement with Blackpool over the January transfer of the 20-year-old, in addition to agreeing a deal with Chelsea for Daniel Sturridge. But while there have been talks between the club, Appleton has revealed that Liverpool’s offer fell well short of the Tangerines’ valuation of the player.

"I think there's been a conversation between (chairman) Karl Oyston and Liverpool about an offer,” Appleton told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"But as far as I'm aware, its way below the type of money we'd expect for someone of Tom's talent."

Liverpool reportedly lodged a bid in the region of £6million for Ince, who has also been targeted by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Ince was released by Liverpool just 18 months ago after he was deemed to be not of a sufficient standard for the club, but Brendan Rodgers appears to be keen to re-enlist the winger, However, Appleton is not considering life after Ince just yet.

"He'll continue to play as long as we hold his registration," the Blackpool boss continued.

"I wouldn't say I'm resigned to losing him just yet though. There's still a lot of work that we feel has to be done before anything like that happens."

Liverpool Star Set To Be Redknapp's First Signing

Out of favour Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole is set to be Harry Redknapp's first signing as QPR manager when the January transfer window opens.

The 31 year old has struggled to establish himself under Brendan Rodgers after he returned from a season long loan spell at Lille in the summer and now Redknapp hopes to take Cole to Loftus Road on loan for the rest of the season according to the Daily Express.

The former England star is on a £90,000-a-week deal at Anfield and while QPR owner Tony Fernandes is prepared to cover most of that sum, he wants to come to a deal with Liverpool in which they pay a portion of it.

Redknapp is today set to sit down with Fernandes with a list of his requirements for January, mainly loan deals. Apart from Cole, who was with him at West Ham, they include Nicolas Anelka, Peter Crouch and Kenwyne Jones.

Andy Carroll Wants Newcastle United Return

Liverpool’s £35million striker Andy Carroll has reportedly given up on making at Anfield and wants to return home to play for his boyhood club.

Carroll’s famously expensive move from Newcastle United to Merseyside looks to have finally been written off and he wants to return to St James’ Park, according to the Daily Star.

The report claims manager Brendan Rodgers has told the 23-year-old his career at Anfield is over and that he is free to leave in the summer.

Carroll is currently on loan at fellow Premier League side West Ham United after being allowed to leave on transfer deadline day.

Former manager Kenny Dalglish signed the England international in January of 2011 as a replacement for Fernando Torres after the Spaniard’s £50million transfer to Chelsea.

Struggling with injury and form, Carroll failed to impress for much of his first season and a disappointing eighth place finish last year for Liverpool saw Dalglish dismissed.

New manager Rodgers never appeared to have the tall striker in his plans and the Daily Star report suggest he does not see a future for Carroll at Anfield.

Lucas Close To Full Fitness

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva feels he is close to being back to 100% following a frustrating spell with injuries.

A knee ligament problem restricted the Brazil international to just 15 appearances in 2011/12, while a thigh complaint has kept him sidelined for much of the current campaign.

Lucas has, however, been able to figure in Liverpool's last three fixtures, allowing him to edge his way towards full match sharpness.

He believes it will not take long for him to reach that level, with the busy festive period offering plenty of opportunities in which to get further game time under his belt.

"After a long time out and two difficult injuries, I'm just very happy to be back," Lucas told Liverpool's official website.

"I'm still progressing in terms of fitness, confidence and strength but I will get there again. I just need to be patient and when I get back to 100 per cent fitness and the level I was at before, the better it will be for myself and the team.

"In terms of fitness, I'm very close to being 100% but it's just a question of time and games, to be honest. It's very hard to predict how long it will take to get back to my best but I can see an improvement every week, especially in the training sessions.

"I'm starting to feel sharper and better every day so I try to take that into the games. It's important to play well at this crucial time over Christmas, especially because we have a lot of games."

Rodgers Not Eyeing Quick Fix

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned that the club's struggles are unlikely to be solved in the January transfer window due to a lack of 'availability and affordability'.

Rodgers' erratic debut season at Anfield continued on Saturday as Liverpool slipped to defeat against Aston Villa to leave them 12th in the Premier League.

The Reds have been linked with a host of transfer targets ahead of the upcoming transfer window as they look to turn things around and climb the table, with only five points between them and fifth place.

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge and Blackpool youngster Thomas Ince are among the players thought to be on Rodgers' radar as he looks to bolster his limited attacking options.

But while the boss intends to strengthen in January, he insists many of the names being linked with the club are not necessarily realistic options and does not predict a quick fix.

He told The Independent: "There is a bigger picture for sure and it goes back to affordability.

"We will spend money in January to try and bring fresh faces into the group and give us that support at the top end. But the reality [about] all the names bandied about is 'Are they going to be available?' Certainly we will bring in what we can and help us and then we will revisit it again.

"All our problems were never going to be solved in this window because the January window is one of the least productive and the least movement goes on there. But we will look to solve some of our problems then and then we will look to revisit it in the summer knowing that in the summer we will be better placed than the previous summer."

He added: "There is no doubt we will get reinforcements in and there is no doubt that we will get the backing, but it will come down to two things. The availability and affordability of players - I see lots of names bandied about that are pie in the sky because there won't be too many top players moving about in January because clubs want top money. But there is no doubt that we want to bring in goals and we want to bring in players who can assist in scoring goals.

"If we can do that then that will set us up and then we can really reinforce when the transfer market opens up in the summer again."

Nicol: Liverpool Should Target Bundesliga Duo

Steve Nicol believes that Bundesliga goalscorers Robert Lewandowski and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar should be at the top of Liverpool's transfer wishlist for January, with the former Red questioning their pursuit of Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince.

The side are in desperate need of support for Luis Suarez, who has been a star across the Premier League this season but is unlikely to be capable of holding up the fort up front on his own for the entirety of the season.

And as deals look to be close to being completed for Tom Ince and Daniel Sturridge, Nicol insists that Liverpool should be looking abroad for proven goal scorers rather than just looking to the future.

"I'd be happy if Liverpool were being linked with Lewandowski," he told Talksport. "He's got just over a year left on his contract and Borussia Dortmund would let him go.

"Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is another one [they should target]. He's a proven goalscorer. They need to get a couple of guys who they know can get the ball in the back of the net. That will take the pressure off everybody."

Nicol has little faith in the likes of Sturridge and Ince coming into the fray for Liverpool and making an immediate difference as the club continue to struggle with results. In the last 10 matches, the side has won just four, and has often been dominant in possession and had many chances to win the game.

The former Red explained: "Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince are good players but they're not proven quality.

"Sturridge can't get into the Chelsea team, so why do Liverpool think he's going to come here and set the place alight?

"Ince is the same, he's a good player but he's not proven at this level. They're also both not goalscorers."

Liverpool are currently 12th on the table, and with the side facing Fulham, Stoke and QPR before 2013 rolls around, they will be looking to take maximum points to show any potential signings they can challenge for a top four spot.

Liverpool Told They Can Land Anderlecht Ace For £8m

Liverpool target Lucas Biglia has been told he can leave Anderlecht if they offer £8.35m.

The Argentine midfielder has long been an Anfield target and was linked with Arsenal in the summer.

And Anderlecht have decided that the 26-year-old can leave, but only if they receive an offer of €10.25m.

"We have not formally received an offer for Lucas but we know that his agent is making moves in the transfer market," Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck told calciomercato.com.

"Biglia has two and a half years left on his contract and we would only consider letting him go if we receive an offer of €10.25m. He won't leave in January for a penny less."

AC Milan is also reported to be strongly interested in the former Independiente midfielder.

Liverpool Chase Valencia Winger Sofiane Feghouli

According to reports in Spain Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli to bolster his depleted squad.

SuperDeporte say Liverpool have made contact with the player's representatives - just at a time when Valencia were frantically trying to extend the winger's contract.

The Reds are currently trying to offload current failed wingers Joe Cole and Stewart Downing and see Feghouli as a cheaper and better option, it would also mean Rodgers would not have to sacrifice Jonjo Shelvey in a wide position as he was forced to do in Saturday's defeat to Aston Villa.

His current deal runs out in the summer of 2014, so a January transfer may be the best option for the Mestalla outfit if Feghouli decides to play hardball over an extension.

Despite an improvement in their financial position, Valencia are still mired in a debt crisis with work on their new stadium suspended and poor on-field performances meaning they are likely to miss out on Champions League football - and its important revenue streams - for next season.

Derby Slap £5 Million Price Tag On Arsenal & Liverpool Target

Derby County has put a £5 million price tag on their teenage sensation Will Hughes amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.

Ideally the Championship club would like to keep hold of the 17 year old until the end of the season but Goal.com believe that bids from Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool are likely to come in the January transfer window.

Liverpool and Arsenal are showing the strongest interest in making bids for the creative midfielder, while he is also being closely tracked by Manchester City, Tottenham and Fulham.

There is a growing possibility that Hughes, who has been compared to a young Liam Brady by his manager Nigel Clough, could be sold in January to raise much-needed funds for the second-tier outfit.

Liverpool and Arsenal would both be keen on recruiting Hughes in the forthcoming window to give him time to integrate into their set-ups in the second half of the season.

Speaking earlier this month, Clough said, “I think a few of the big boys are watching him, which is a great compliment to him and the academy lads, but if they are we will do everything we can to hang on to him.”

Tottenham & Liverpool Eyeing Real Madrid Forward

Tottenham and Liverpool are weighing up a summer move for Real Madrid forward Jose Callejon, according to reports in Italy.

The 25-year-old has failed to establish himself as a regular at the Bernabeu under Jose Mourinho and is reportedly ready to consider a move away from the club if the situation does not change before the end of the season.

And Italian newspaper Tuttosport claim that Tottenham, Liverpool and Udinese are leading the chase for the forward.

But they will have to pay £16.3m to meet Callejon's buy-out clause and prise him away from Real, who are said to still value him highly.

Comolli Urges Sterling To Sign New Liverpool Contract

Liverpool's former director of football, Damien Comolli, has urged Raheem Sterling to sign a new contract with the Anfield outfit.

As Goal.com exclusively revealed on Tuesday, the 18-year-old is set to confirm a five-year deal in the New Year, starting at a basic £30,000 per week.

"My advice would be sign the contract and stay at Liverpool unless there is something which makes him really uncomfortable," Comolli told TalkSPORT.

"We tried to look after Raheem as much as we could - he was really a long-term project - and I think he should commit.

"I really don't think money should be an issue. He is 18 and it is going to be one of many contracts he is going to sign and he is going to end up being a wealthy individual.

"The important contract, if you are money-orientated, is the one you sign when you are 31 not 18."

Enrique Defends Suso Over Twitter Banter

Jose Enrique has defended Liverpool team-mate Suso after he was fined £10,000 by the FA, dismissing the tweet which sparked the censure as "banter".

Winger Suso was disciplined by the governing body for teasing Enrique after the left-back posted a picture of himself getting his teeth whitened online.

Suso tweeted: "What f*** is he doing? This guy is gay... he does everything except play football." The tweet was deleted soon afterwards and an apology was issued by the 19-year-old, but that did not stop the FA acting by handing out the fine on Tuesday.

However, Enrique then took to Twitter himself to state that he thought the punishment on his team-mate was harsh.

He tweeted: "Is amazing how FA can fine my friend @suso30fernandez for a banter thing. Was just a joke!!!"

Suso, who has made 13 appearances for the Reds this season since making his first-team debut in September, insisted in his apology that he had not meant to cause any offence to anyone.

"I'm very sorry if anyone has been offended by my comments about the photo of my team-mate Jose Enrique," he wrote.

"It was only a joke between the two of us. I realize that my words were unfortunate and it was not my intention to offend anyone.

"I apologise again if anyone was offended."

Hillsborough Verdicts Quashed

The original Hillsborough inquest verdicts were quashed in the High Court on Wednesday, with a new investigation led by Jon Stoddart announced.

Following an application by the Attorney General Dominic Grieve, the Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge and two other judges ordered fresh inquests, quashing the original accidental death inquest verdicts after 96 Liverpool supporters died 23 years ago.

A new police inquiry, led by former Durham Chief Constable Stoddart, will focus specifically on the 96 deaths of the Liverpool fans in April 1989, working closely with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) into police conduct in the aftermath of the disaster.

Grieve made his request to the High Court after a new report established 41 of those who died might have been saved, and new medical evidence has been used as a basis for the new inquests application.

The Home Secretary Theresa May announced the new investigation will finally earn justice for the fans who were crushed at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium during the FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989.

May said: "I am determined to see a swift and thorough response to the findings of the Hillsborough Panel to deliver justice for the 96 football fans who died and the families who have fought so hard on their behalf."

Mr. Stoddart will be able to recruit investigators and staff to his team, but he will not be allowed to employ officers or former officers with any previous connection to the Hillsborough disaster, or from the West Midlands, South Yorkshire or Merseyside police forces.

He said: "I am aware of the great significance and personal responsibility which comes with leading this criminal investigation.

"My first priority is to meet with as many of the families as possible and to establish a working open relationship with them throughout the investigation.

"I have held a number of meetings already and have been struck by the families' humility and steadfast determination to see justice delivered for their loved ones.

"My role is to ensure that we determine exactly what happened in the lead-up to and on the day of the disaster and establish where any culpability lies."

The Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge said there were "good grounds" for the application made by Mr. Grieve and described what happened in 1989 as "catastrophic".

Referring to the families, he said there had been a "profound, almost palpable belief that justice has not been done and that it cannot be done without and until the full truth is revealed".

He said: "We must record our admiration and respect for their determined search for the truth about the circumstances of the disaster and why and how it had occurred, which - despite disappointments and setbacks - has continued for nearly quarter of a century."

After Lord Judge announced the decision of the court, families in the packed courtroom greeted it with a loud round of applause.

More than 40 families had made the journey to London for the hearing, while others watched by videolink from Liverpool.

When giving the ruling, Lord Judge expressed regret that the process the families had gone through over the years since the disaster had been "so unbearingly dispiriting and prolonged".

Responding to the decision to quash the original Hillsborough inquest verdicts and the announcement that a fresh police investigation is to be held into the disaster, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "This is a watershed moment on the road to justice for the families of the 96, and I share their overwhelming relief that, after 23 very painful years, the inquest verdicts have been quashed.

"It is the only right and proper decision that the High Court could make in the wake of the overwhelming and compelling evidence uncovered by the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

"We must all keep up the pressure that has driven the momentum over the last few months to make sure that the families get the justice they deserve.

"I also welcome the new police investigation, which we all hope will result in those that played a role in causing the disaster and the monumental cover-up are brought to account."

Brendan Rodgers Must Escape The Trap Of Anfield History

No matter how strong the temptation, never allow yourself to be infected by the chronic delusion that has plagued Anfield for too long. It is utterly debilitating.

Ahead of this sobering defeat by Aston Villa – a comprehensive and deserved 3-1 win for Paul Lambert’s side – there was a hint Rodgers was falling into a familiar trap of presuming too much, too soon, hastily talking about this club in terms of the Premier League top two places.

Liverpool history seduces, hypnotizes and imparts an unjustified sense of entitlement in those who should know better, even when contemporary reality has nothing in common with the past.

Rodgers sounds like a rational, shrewd young coach when he embraces the truth of Liverpool’s situation. A brief diversion to talk about the aim of bridging an 11-point gap to Manchester City – now 14 again – when the gulf is nearer several million miles, and pounds, is counter-productive.

It was as if, after an encouraging few weeks on Merseyside, the footballing gods empowered Aston Villa to issue a sobering reminder of how far this club still has to go.

Villa exposed the deficiencies with expert counter-attacking. Christian Benteke bullied and bewildered the Liverpool defence, scoring twice and creating the second goal for the equally impressive Andreas Weimann. The discussion about the out-of-favour Darren Bent, absent here through injury, should be over.

Lambert described Benteke as “brilliant”, adding: “He can be anything he wants. He might not hit his peak until he is about 28, you never know. But he has been incredible for us. Everyone loves playing alongside him. His goals were outstanding.”

There is a broader problem for Rodgers, which none of his publicised January transfer targets will resolve – as well as a new striker, he needs another central midfielder.

Not for the first time, there was a lack of intensity, malevolence, and downright aggression in the way Liverpool played in the centre of the park. The midfield was timid, wilting whenever belligerent qualities were demanded.

Slow and un-combative, the weakness was demonstrated most clearly when Benteke waltzed unchallenged from the middle of the Liverpool half into the penalty area to score Villa’s third after 50 minutes.

Lucas, only just back from injury, is a good player but he is absurdly overrated by some as much as he was unfairly underrated by others a few years ago, while Joe Allen has endured a recent dip. Even at their best, the balance has not been right as Steven Gerrard tries to find his best role in a new system.

Talk of Anfield traditions too often neglects the legacy of Tommy Smith, Jimmy Case and Graeme Souness. They need a spiteful piece of work (on the pitch) who will earn his side the right to play and make sure the opponent cannot. Liverpool’s cordial style sometimes gives the impression of docility. Great if you are far superior to the opponent, but not when they are capable of taking advantage of the time and space you offer them.

Villa could have scored more and most of Liverpool’s most encouraging moments were squandered before Brad Guzan had to make a save. In the final third, Liverpool’s passing lacks the precision that wins admirers in less dangerous areas.