Liverpool await Ides of March

Wednesday, 08/02/2012

by Lewis Cox, Shoot's Liverpool blogger

It's turning into some sort of recurrence and certainly not one that Liverpool fans want to be accustomed to – their side failing to take advantage of sustained amount of possession and goal-scoring opportunities at Anfield.

The 0-0 with Spurs was the EIGHTH time this season they have been held at home this season.

This one wasn’t quite as disastrous as the Swansea, Norwich or Blackburn Anfield stalemates earlier in the term, yet the predictability is beginning to drift in and it was once again crystal clear just where Kenny Dalglish’s side lack spark… the six-yard box.

With more possession and almost double the shots on target and corners, the Reds' boss will be pondering just what his side have to do to become clinical at their once fortress-like home.

Andy Carroll’s performance appeared one positive from Monday night’s game. Liverpool fans and even his overly-critical fans in the press were in sync in praising his touch, tenacity and physicality. When you carry the weight of £35m on your shoulders though, these are just the type of games in which headlines are created.

In truth, it appears the cat who infiltrated Anfield early in the first-half has received more media praise than any of the Liverpool XI. Though Dalglish was quick to defend his men, stating “We were delighted with the way we played”, before adding “only thing that was missing was a bit of luck”.

When questioned on the returning Luis Suarez, he controversially added: “We’re delighted with the ‘wee-mans’ performance, he should have never been away.”

Is Dalglish treading on thin ice with that one? Perhaps he should be leaving the past untouched? – But he just can’t help giving a blunt, truthful response – such a trait every Kopite worships him for.

What some less-than-satisfied Reds may cry is that Monday night was a prime example of why Kenny should have gone out in January and splashed out on a proven goal scorer, a fox in the box.

February only consists of three more games in an odd period for the Merseyside club. Monumental rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, before hosting Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round whilst topping the month off with that Wembley date with Cardiff.

March could well provide pivotal answers in the destiny of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign. With meetings against Arsenal, Sunderland, QPR and Wigan – nine points at the bare minimum should be the outcome of any top four aspiring club. With the gap remaining only four points between seventh and fourth, top four should be well within Dalglish’s sights.

First though it’s Fergie’s lot at Old Trafford – so many sub-plots: title race, fourth place and Suarez/Evra. This particular one is mouth-watering……but aren’t they all between the two biggest sides in English football?

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