Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson believes Liverpool could be on the verge of a downward spiral into a permanent position in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool's crunch game with Sunderland today, Merson - who played in the Arsenal team that robbed the Reds of two Premier League titles - observed:
"I watched Arsenal at Anfield two weeks ago and that's as bad as I've seen from a Liverpool team. If Luis Suarez gets injured they could be a bottom-half team. I'd have to say that Sunderland are the favourites here, and I'm going for a home win".
The Arsenal defeat amongst Liverpool's worst performances? Clearly, Merson hasn't watched any of the club's games over the last three years, many of which were far worse!
Even if Suarez gets injured, there is absolutely no way the Reds will become a 'bottom-half' team, and of that, I have complete confidence. Other players will step-up and come to the fore, and irrespective of the problems up front, the team has enough quality to stay in the top half of the table.
It's not only Merson who's predicting a Sunderland win; Reds legend Mark Lawrenson fears that things could go 'from bad to worse' for Liverpool today, who he feels 'lack a cutting edge'. He said:
"They [Liverpool] are in even worse shape now than they were at the end of last season. They've got nice footballers but unless Luis Suarez scores I don't know where the goals are coming form. You can play all the nice pretty, tiki-taka possession football you want but if you are not scoring you are not winning. I predict a 2-1 win for Sunderland"
It's pretty depressing to see an ex-LFC player predicting a defeat, but unfortunately, with the squad still adjusting to the new regime at Anfield, it's a definite possibility. However, I personally feel the Reds can win the game, but only if the following happens:
* Fabio Borini plays centrally.
* Luis Suarez plays out wide.
* Steven Gerrard drops to the bench.
* The team plays the following team/formation:
------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Agger --- Skrtel ---------- Enrique
----------------- Allen ---- Shelvey
---------------------- Sahin
Suarez --------------------------- Sterling/Assaidi
---------------------- Borini
Re Gerrard: the only reason I suggest benching him is that his England exertions may take a toll on his fitness, which in turn could affect his performance for LFC. Sahin, on the other hand, is fully rested, and has not played for two weeks. Having said that, if Gerrard does play (which is probably 99% likely), then I'd like to see this team:
------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Agger --- Skrtel ---------- Enrique
----------------- Allen ---- Shelvey
---------------------- Sahin
Gerrard --------------------------- Suarez
---------------------- Borini
Jaimie Kanwar
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool's crunch game with Sunderland today, Merson - who played in the Arsenal team that robbed the Reds of two Premier League titles - observed:
"I watched Arsenal at Anfield two weeks ago and that's as bad as I've seen from a Liverpool team. If Luis Suarez gets injured they could be a bottom-half team. I'd have to say that Sunderland are the favourites here, and I'm going for a home win".
The Arsenal defeat amongst Liverpool's worst performances? Clearly, Merson hasn't watched any of the club's games over the last three years, many of which were far worse!
Even if Suarez gets injured, there is absolutely no way the Reds will become a 'bottom-half' team, and of that, I have complete confidence. Other players will step-up and come to the fore, and irrespective of the problems up front, the team has enough quality to stay in the top half of the table.
It's not only Merson who's predicting a Sunderland win; Reds legend Mark Lawrenson fears that things could go 'from bad to worse' for Liverpool today, who he feels 'lack a cutting edge'. He said:
"They [Liverpool] are in even worse shape now than they were at the end of last season. They've got nice footballers but unless Luis Suarez scores I don't know where the goals are coming form. You can play all the nice pretty, tiki-taka possession football you want but if you are not scoring you are not winning. I predict a 2-1 win for Sunderland"
It's pretty depressing to see an ex-LFC player predicting a defeat, but unfortunately, with the squad still adjusting to the new regime at Anfield, it's a definite possibility. However, I personally feel the Reds can win the game, but only if the following happens:
* Fabio Borini plays centrally.
* Luis Suarez plays out wide.
* Steven Gerrard drops to the bench.
* The team plays the following team/formation:
------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Agger --- Skrtel ---------- Enrique
----------------- Allen ---- Shelvey
---------------------- Sahin
Suarez --------------------------- Sterling/Assaidi
---------------------- Borini
Re Gerrard: the only reason I suggest benching him is that his England exertions may take a toll on his fitness, which in turn could affect his performance for LFC. Sahin, on the other hand, is fully rested, and has not played for two weeks. Having said that, if Gerrard does play (which is probably 99% likely), then I'd like to see this team:
------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Agger --- Skrtel ---------- Enrique
----------------- Allen ---- Shelvey
---------------------- Sahin
Gerrard --------------------------- Suarez
---------------------- Borini
Jaimie Kanwar
Genius drop our best attacking player this season.
ReplyDeleteEveryone just wants to see Liverpool do bad that doesn't support us.
ReplyDeleteIf you're referring to Gerrard, how exactly is he the best attacking player this season? Are you capable of any objectivity at all? I guess you just brush aside his poor performances, costly mistakes, and the fact that the TEAM should come first?
ReplyDeleteI agree with merson and yourself Jamie ...THE problem is gerrard wont be dropped ...Sahin is short of fitness ...Borini is played out of position but is at best average ...and we will burn allen and sterling out ...ive a feeling we will get well beat today at Sunderland as our midfield lacks discipline or workrate apart from allen
ReplyDeleteWhile it is possible that we finish in the bottom half this season, I can't see us remaining there for another one. Merson and Lawrenson, eh. It's probably what they wish for.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that we should try Borini centrally and put Suarez on one of the wings. In midfield, I'd rather put Shelvey instead of Sahin in a more forward position.
I though Gerrard was brilliant foe England, some of the passing was brilliant, but he did put himself out a bit and may no be able to play the full game. I would go with Jaimie (not that I agree with him often) and start with his line up and see how th game pans out and he can always be brought on with fresh legs and may make a better impact as a result.
ReplyDeletegerrard plays for himself .....hollywood balls when the best option is to keep it simple ...hes been poor for two seasons wake up and smell the coffee.....
ReplyDeleteI support Arsenal but have always liked Liverpool. I would rather Tottenham, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs did badly.
ReplyDeleteSo that is untrue.
Gerrard's bad passing that got him sent off. Couldn't complete a two yard pass then had to launch himself threw the opponent. In the past he was a wonderful player but now he is a liability. How many times has he lost the ball this season and we have conceded?
ReplyDeleteGerrard will be back to form today and liverpool wil win.....u r jealouse of liverpool great passig style...........
ReplyDeletekil se ,ele de ses affaire livpool sera tjrs livpool et on ne va po baisser les bras on va se relever ynwa
ReplyDeletefor rodgers tika to work the players must really buy into his ideas....i may be wrong but i feel gerrard wont tolerate being told what to do by rodgers ...if you looked at the clip where rodgers is telling off sterling do you think carra or gerrard would put up with that ..out with the old in with the new or we will be in serious trouble
ReplyDeleteJaimie what do you think of Gerrard playing as a striker? He is easily the best finisher we have in the squad. Suarez is good in creating goals but can't find the back of the net..!! Suarez and Gerrard can swap their positions?
ReplyDeleteJamie I agree with you this one especially on the first line up. Have Gerrard come in as a super sub.
ReplyDeleteLawrenson. "If they're not scoring, they're not winning. They'll lose 2-1."
ReplyDeleteSo we're scoring then Lawro, yeah?
It's definitely worth a try, but would Gerrard be amenable to the idea?
ReplyDeleteJamie K, you are an absolute blind guide here...What have Rodgers paid you to support him 100% ?... You seemed to lack perspective here of the club's lack of in depth strength and BR's lack of managing big clubs...so there is a more than a 50% possibility of LFC being a bottom 10 club this year...come on put some perspective and reality into your articles if not you are losing it boy!
ReplyDeleteIt is comments such as yours that will perpetuate the belief that ALL LFC supporters feel abused, downtrodden and nothing is their fault.
ReplyDeleteI can remember when LFC and their support were viewed with respect (no matter how grudging, it was GENUINE respect) by supporters of ALL other clubs.
Nowadays, the supporters (and KK) have made a rod for their own backs and reduced that respect to zero.
That (IMHO) is a crying shame - Shanks and Paisley will be turning in their graves!
I'm actually stupidly optimistic about today actually. It could be tough, granted, and I think we can be bullied too easily. But if we keep the ball and actually play to the system this time, we can win easily enough.
ReplyDeleteI think it could be close but if we stop them getting crosses in we'll win it. We're almost the underdogs today really. 2-0 Liverpool.
Why not? He always puts team before himself and he loves to score goals. I think BR should try him. He showed last season against everton, newcastle, et al. that he can still score goals.
ReplyDeleteWell good luck to Liverpool today...I believe we are on the right path, I do not agree with the former Arsenal though.
ReplyDeleteWe pray for Liverpool to win today for that will build momentum for the next game coming.
Quite possibly the worst thought out team sheet ever, you seem to be including all the new players, just because you can. Sahin looked poor, off the pace and bad positioning in his debut, so hey, sure why not make him the playmaker. Boring, has done exactly nothing in all his games so for so yes, why not make him the centre forward. Genius.
ReplyDeleteGunner fan here
ReplyDeleteif we were to have an off form and to lose
I rather we lose to Liverpool then Chelsea ManU and ManC
Liverpool will win today.However, unfortunately I think we will b bottom half come the end of the season. IMO with Rafa in charge we would b better off and able to attract better players.whereas b4 I was expecting Liverpool to beat teams like Barca,RM, ACM now I lost hope that we will ever play them again.
ReplyDeleteits opinion, same people sadi west brow where gonna go down in flames . liverpool to win 4 nil today, have faith!!!
ReplyDeleteI see frustration and lack of faith through and through, prematurely though!! Have faith.
ReplyDeletedeluded as per usual!!!
ReplyDeletewe reds shouldnt be sticking up for this below average team and manager,get ur heads out of ur asses people we were great but now are mid table team FACT
Poor against Arsenal but we have certainly been worse than that sadly.
ReplyDeleteAt the mo we look impotent up front, lightweight in midfield and error ridden at the back. Additionally we have been horrendously out of form for 12 months and lack confidence. I'll never bet against Liverpool but in reality I expect us to lose today and next week and be bottom.
It will take a few years to fix this now unless someone mega wealthy were to buy us. Rodgers will need to be a tactical genius to keep us out of the bottom half but with a couple of decent signings and a bit of patience I can see him improving things in a season or so.
Odd thing form though. Poor as we were against Arsenal, had the ref done his job and given us a penalty and sent Mertasacker off we could have been looking at a win or at least a draw which wouldn't in reality have changed anything other than confidence which if often the most important factor.
as always a great article Jaimie, i think a lot of the ex players are slating the team is because their best pal got sacked from his job over the summer. performances throughout last season were easily some of the worst i've ever seen from liverpool but none of the ex players were saying anything then, it was apparently all rosy, however, the stadium of light is a tough place to go and i'm not overly confident of a win, i would take a draw right now too be honest but we always new it was going to be a tough start so we just need to remain positive no matter what happens this evening.
ReplyDeleteI think he was referring to Sterling in the second team
ReplyDeleteArsenal fan here. I absolutely despise Liverpool and its fans soppy, tiresome fans. I strongly disagree with Tony Lee; I would much rather lose to Chelsea (although their fans are vile despicable cunts) or either Manchester club as any one of those teams will go on to win things. Losing to Liverpool is a pointless death - you're like Tottenham, you're a nuisance side, a pointless side deriving pleasure from stopping others achieving. And as soon as you get written-off footballing wise you play the sympathy card. You're just pathetic. I genuinely, genuinely hope you get relegated. You won't, but if you did then maybe we wouldn't have to listen to you wet little cretins go onOH NO LOOK YOU'RE ALL OVER THE NEWS AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteThat's rubbish Pointy - I and many others I know like to see Liverpool do well (except when they play Arsenal and, well, when Dalglish was behaving like an utter twat) because, unlike some clubs we won't mention, Liverpool has a degree of class and dignity. And speaking of dignity, I won't forget the great sportsmanship with which most Liverpool supporters behaved at the end of the game on May 26th, 1989. Moreover, many have always been disgusted at the way Rupert Murdoch and his criminal organization News Corp have grotesquely slandered Liverpool supporters.
ReplyDeleteReina
ReplyDeleteJohnson Skertel Agger Enrique
Shelvey Sahin Allen
Suso Suarez Sterling
Subs:Jones,Coates,Kelly,Gerrard,Morgan
Gerrard needs to be dropped if he continuse his lack of discipline.
So, Merson is talking about the Liverpool team that comprehensively outplayed Man City a few weeks ago and that was desperately unlucky not to take all three points? To infer that Liverpool were utterly terrible against Arsenal two weeks ago means either that he didn't actually watch the game and/or he's just another dishonest media parasite. In fact, as an Arsenal supporter, I would say that Paul Merson's 'pronouncements' have as much worth as a Sun newspaper used to pick up dogshiit from the pavement.
ReplyDeletehave faith its only 3 games gone . stop thinking bottom half and support your team.
ReplyDeleteI'm an Arsenal supporter, and I have to agree that your performance against us was very un-Liverpool like. It's sad to see, actually.Like Lawrenson says, you lack a cutting edge.
ReplyDeleteAnd is Gerrard out of form, or has he just become stale after so many years at Anfield ? I think he should have accepted a fresh challenge while he still had time, rather than sign a new contract. But he's a loyal club man, a real professional, and he obviously loves the club deeply.
Put the glue down!
ReplyDelete"had the ref done his job and given us a penalty and sent mertasacker off" lmao. You may want to take a visit to specsavers then read up on on the PL rule book on what constitutes as a foul...... Something tells me however, that you still wont learn! Shame.....
ReplyDeleteSUDERLAND LIVERPOOL 3
ReplyDeleteI even have problems understanding what translate.google makes out of this. Who're killing themselves?
ReplyDeleteIt's high time that Carra and Stevie stop ruling the dressing room.
ReplyDeleteHe always puts the team before himself? You mean when he loses the ball and can't be arsed to chase it down again. He's done that for quite some time, as if he thought the others should do all the dirty work.
ReplyDeleteYou are an interesting specimen. Thinks someone has to be paid to actually back his own team and manager. Strange times indeed.
ReplyDeleteI've looked. It says if you grab hold of a shirt it's a foul. If it prevents a goal scoring opportunity it's a sending off. Simple really, a bit like you.
ReplyDeleteI think your reference to 1989 speaks volumes.
ReplyDeleteIt is since Dalglish decided that he was far more important than anyone in LFC history that things have changed.
For people such as myself I can remember (with great affection) the years when Shanks then Paisley were managers.
Unfortunately, for those of more tender years they will not be able to remember/have known those dignified LFC years - only those that have invited ridicule!
Suarez should play like a 150k/w player,
ReplyDeleteIt seems hes lost his eye for goal after moving from Ajax,
IMO he has to , at some point, be dropped to the bench to restore his hunger.
It's really getting boring. Change the record, please. Rafa is gone, get over it. He alone wouldn't attract better players. Champions League qualification does and so do huge wages.
ReplyDeleteIt may help if you and people like you would actually start supporting our current team and manager.
ReplyDeleteSo you think we will have problems until someone buys us as his new plaything, right? How come then that other clubs that live within their means were able to finish above us in the past. We surely need a few shrewd transfers.
ReplyDeleteCould it be that Paul Merson is a prime example of what can happen to one's brain if he or she drinks/drank too much alcohol?
ReplyDeleteThat being said not signing a back up striker will put too much pressure on Fabio Borini as well as Luis Suarez. I like Borini but judging from his goal tally at his previous clubs it is obvious that he will struggle to score double digits for Liverpool. If there were ever a season in his career for him to step up this would be that season.
ReplyDeleteI believe that some of Rodger's young charges could step up and really define themselves to the world and to their fans. It is safe to say we can't always depend heavily on the creativity of Stevie G to get us out of trouble. Others need to step up on the offensive end of that there is no doubt. At the end of the day we need to make that that leather , cow hide air bladder thingy called the ball to get into the the net as much as humanly possible . All through out history people who are faced with serious adversity have been able to find a way to rise above it. It is no different for Liverpool FC this season. With a lot of games to play and just two strikers there is a real legitimate concern of where the goals will come from. There will be fatigue and cases of burn out and God forbid injury. Liverpool will have to dig deep within itself and find a way to pull a proverbial rabbit out of it's hat. Our players will find the strength and belief within themselves to raise their level of play as they rise to meet the challenge of a top four finish. They will believe more in themselves and their abilities and most important of all they will silence all their critics while making new fans along the way.
Used the term "step up " at least three times in my comment. It is the underlining "theme" for Liverpool this season. Stepping up most happen for us to progress.
Nothing in 'all his games'?! He's played ONE game. Plus, Sahin played that role for Dortmund to great effect. He's not a holding midfielder' he's a creative/attacking midfielder. Educate yourself.
ReplyDeleteGood job it's Merson talking, probably pissed again. I really do think we'll struggle this season though, probably mid table, unless some quality is bought in jan.
ReplyDeleteLiverpool disappoints, playing rubbish,have no faith in them.
ReplyDeleteas fans we are being mocked by man u supporters.
Seems owners dont care Get them out .Dissappointed
I think Merson should spend more time focussing on his beloved Arsenal, a club that plays nice sexy football but win nothing. It's way to early to predict where LFC will finish come the end of the season. Merson is one of the most intelligent football commentators and should know better.
ReplyDeletei saw what he said and he was on about what the liverpool owners had said in the open letter.He took it to mean they were not going to spend money and if this happens then there is only 1 way for liverpool to go.
ReplyDeleteIf you take at bit of a statment you can make it mean any thing you like but you need to see the hole thing before doing a story.But the media dont work like that
spot on from merson............... we are rubbish in deffence average in midfield and we are relying to much on one top striker. now we are all relying on a 17 year old aswell. top player. who will probably end up at chelsea.
ReplyDeletecant wait till january when we are linked with all these great players we need and end up with none.
rodgers the best man sinse raffa, but he had a better (team) at swansea. no propper success untill we get propper owners. slate me i dont care.its the truth and money does make the difference in the right hands.
we continue to be a laughing stock. YNWA
he has realised hes surrounded by average players at best barring a few. he has done nothing but try sinse he arrived. lot more than most. joke comment. dropped to the bench for downing ?? im amazed he signed a new contract, liverpool are going nowhere. he gets abused most weeks, for what?? to wear the shirt why else, were years behind spurs let alone city etc.
ReplyDeletethe problems start from the back. and crap owners doing things on a whim.
can you blame torress for leaving?? least suarez will keep trying before he does do the off
Some delusion..... 'only if this happens', I mean come on, if you are that much of a genius why are you not a football manager?
ReplyDeleteAnd Merson is one of the pundits you have to ask, how did he get the job. The guy never thinks just opens his mouth and even then has nothing worthwhile to say.
Try reading it again
ReplyDeleteHate to tell you but average as we have been for last few years we have still won a Champs league, an FA Cup, a League cup and a euro super cup since you won ANYTHING! So what was that about at least they win something!!
ReplyDeleteI dont know why Brenden keeps swapping Johnson to the leftback position ? Enrique was on the bench so whats going on ? i was disappointed with Borini once again, why not give Assaidi a start ? and put Kelly in the rightback position, and try Johnson on the right of midfield ? We our missing Lucas, desperately once again, the defence was looking a bit shakey again, and i wish Brenden rodgers would realise that Borini Isn`t the answer, he just squanders to many chancers, and he lacks strength, and pulls out of tackles too often Imo. Maybe Morgan, or even Yesil, could be the better option ? Downing is just like a headless chicken, for his age, he should be more composed on the ball, but when eventually he beats a man, he then just crosses the ball without even finding a target, hopeless springs to mind. We need shooting practice, each and every player needs too put more time into hitting balls into a goal, from every angle and different distances ? in training. then we might see some shots actually hitting the target ( the net ) January cant come quick enough, we need one or two decent goalscorers, and i dont mean average, I mean reknowned Players. Or we could be looking too the worse season in my life time.
ReplyDeleteI am disappointed with fans like you. We didn't play rubbish today, for instance.
ReplyDeleteSo I am right, Merson has had too many drinks in his life, right?
ReplyDeleteDid that and, well, your throw in "unless some mega wealthy were to buy us". Did you do that for a reason or just for the sake of it. Awaiting the next arrogant reply from you, though I'd prefer a fair one.
ReplyDeleteEnrique has been out of form for a while now AND has had problems with his knee(s?). First question answered then.
ReplyDeleteAssaidi just returned to training this week. Second question answered. And that's where I'll leave it.
Just shows what " Merse " and " Lawro " know aye we were well the better team yesterday by what I saw on TV , frustrating , annoying , awful that we didn't win but there you go , we will come good . Keep the faith and don't listen to old has beens , let's hope we put it together against United next Sunday .
ReplyDeleteLFC must try give many opportunity for young players.Very dangerous if they only depend to Suarez and Borini.When both of them getting injured you will be trouble and struggle to win.Untill now LFC cannot get first EPL win again.Becarefull Rodgers,no matter happen try using young talent. The priority must go for them first.Downing and Henderson will no have future at LFC.Borini must replace by Assaidi or Yesil but Downing your first choice.Allowed young talent to shining.
ReplyDeleteIt's not difficult. It says unless someone mega wealthy were to buy us it will take a few years to fix. That isn't saying I hope it will happen or that I hope it won't. It's a simple statement of fact, if someone did then we could do chelsea or Man City. I can't see how you have decided I've formed an opinion out of that. The main gist is clearly about him making some decent signings and being given some patience.
ReplyDeletebut they are right.we need a goalscorer and luis is not a goalscorer.january we nid a goalscorer
ReplyDelete