Liverpool flopped to another disappointing performance as they escaped from Birmingham with a point.
Alex McLeish’s men were by far the better team as Pepe Reina, coming back from a difficult international friendly, proved once again why he has been the Premiership’s best keeper over the last few years.
It is worrying for Liverpool fans when the keeper is by far and away our best player on the pitch.
A debut was handed to Konchesky at left back, while Roy again opted for Poulsen and Lucas to partner each other in central midfield – strange after Poulsen’s disappointing Anfield start and made even more mystifying when Meireles’ later arrival sparked a bit of life in to Liverpool.
Fernando Torres cut a lonely figure as once again Steven Gerrard failed to provide any sort of link from midfield to attack.
Wing play for Liverpool was non existent, and the barrage of crosses that were allowed in from both wings will have Hodgson scratching his head about Johnson and Konchesky.
Strange, because Liverpool actually started quite brightly. At least for the first ten minutes. But as is usual Liverpool’s players were suddenly struck by an inane inferiority complex. Witnessing Glen Johnson dive out of the way of challenging other players was dismal. Maybe the pony tail is responsible for demasculating him?
The reds did have the occasional chance, but they were all pretty tame – unlike Birmingham were Reina pulled off at least three fantastic saves in the first half alone to keep Liverpool in the game.
Liverpool are in a mess. The boardroom has been broke for a while. The finances are broke. Worst of all some of the players look broke.
It may have to get worse at Anfield before it gets better.
Fans who have witnessed the reds since Benitez took the club to 2nd place with 86 points will have noted the alarming decline in quality and also mental determination. Hopefully, in the coming months a new regime may sweep through the club, and it may well take with it some of those names who believe they have a god given right to be named in the starting XI.
Following the game Roy Hodgson said he saw some ‘promising signs’. We suggest he gets himself a new optician.