Liverpool FC failed to add to their dismal tally of 47 goals in their 33rd game of the league campaign in another disappointing performance - a week on from a poor FA Cup semi final appearance.
Brendan Rodgers watches on against West Brom
The memories of last season's 101 league goals are a distant memory and the reds now have next to no hope of finishing in the top four. Manchester United will be the team to take advantage of Liverpool's appalling transfer strategy over the past 3 years executed by Brendan Rodgers and Fenway Sports Group.
The team lacked determination or spark, but most importantly lacked any serious ability in the final third.
It wasn't until the second half that the reds had their first shot on target - somewhat surprising considering they did have over 75% of the first half possession. But it wasn't clinical or attacking enough and the likes of Sterling, Balotelli and Ibe all flattered to deceive.
Balotelli was making his first start for the reds since Besiktas in February. Although he showed a little more desire to press the ball in his 75 minutes on the field everyone can see that his signing was a massive mistake. Brendan Rodgers joked when he signed him that the 'gamble' wasn't an expensive one - but he may reflect on that if it ends up costing him his job.
Gerrard made his 500th league appearance for the reds but it was another average display from the Liverpool great - a man who perhaps spent a year too long at the club.
The next five Liverpool games are now effectively exhibition games - the reds set to finish between 5th and 7th in the Premier League with a total likely to be below 70 points - just 12 months on from a season in which the league title was still a possibility in the final game of the season.
What now of the likes of Sterling - clearly living on another planet in terms of their personal valuation. The likes of Joe Allen, Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren, Simon Mignolet, Adam Lallana and the others who look like pale imitations of former LFC players in their positions.
The reds travel to Hull mid-week to play their game in hand. In a protest at away game ticket prices some Liverpool supporter groups have urged a boycott - on this evidence the Liverpool players started their boycott some time ago.
If BR were to go, who would you like to see as a replacement Martin,,, Tim Sherwood seems to be able to bring the best out of his players wherever he goes and might be a good choice,, but we seem to have lost that killer instinct,, ANY team that plays Liverpool feels that they could win, Anfield doesn’t strike the fear into opponents the way it used to, :/
Surely this was just a typical Liverpool performance? They are an incredibly dull team to watch. If it puts more pressure on Rodgers, hope Hull take them to the cleaners. The vital thing is to get Rodgers out. After that the vital thing will be to get rid of the players he bought.