Liverpool slump to third League defeat

Liverpool lost back to back Premier League games for the first time this year as they continued their poor start to the season.

The Spurs game apart - Liverpool have been disappointing since the start of the season, creeping over the line in wins over Southampton on the opening day and narrowly winning the midweek game against Bulgarian side Ludogorets.

Within 7 minutes of today's game Liverpool were two goals behind.  Although Martin Skrtel was restored to the starting line up poor defending was heavily at fault for both goals.

In the 2nd minute James Tomkins was allowed to head the ball back across the goal line - Winston Reid mopping up the chance to put his side ahead.

Just five minutes later, the Hammers doubled their advantage.

After Liverpool gave the ball away cheaply, Noble found Diafra Sakho who attempted a cross/chip towards the back post.  Mignolet made no attempt to jump for the ball and it landed in the back of the net.

In the 23rd minute Rodgers switched the formation to three at the back - bringing Mamadou Sakho on as the left-sided member of the trio - with Manquillo making way.

It was a sign of the desperation with the reds defence .  With Gerrard and Lucas both in the side and sitting not too far in front of the defenders we were now very narrow at the back.

Moments later however a Balotelli shot fell into Sterling's path and the youngster grabbed a goal back for the reds but Liverpool's chances were few and far between as the half wore on.

Last season's pacey attacks were being replaced by ambitious lumps into the box and Liverpool's poor record in recent years of coming back to win games is there for all to see.

Lucas was replaced at half time by Adam Lallana in an attempt to improve the reds creativity.

And the Anfield men improved slightly in the second half - but this could equally have been due to West Ham being a little more cautious in protecting their lead.  The Hammers defence held up well and there were few clear cut chances for the reds.

Poor crosses into the box, attempting to over-play passes around the area, or extravagant attempts by distance meant West Ham didn't have too much to contend with.

With 2 minutes left West Ham sucker-punched Liverpool by scoring their third.

Liverpool's defence was cut apart by a Stewart Downing pass, of all people, and Morgan Amalfitano to wrap up the points.

Liverpool have now lost three of their opening five League games, dropping 9 points out of 15, and suffered their first back to back Premier League defeats since last December (that was to Man City and Chelsea away - not Aston Villa and West Ham).

With two clean sheets in their last 14 league outings, and at the risk of repeating ourselves for about the 100th time - Liverpool need to get a handle on their defensive issues.

It is getting to the point where the current coaches may need to bring in some outside, more qualified, help.

Next up a home league cup tie against Middlesbrough followed by a tricky Saturday morning visit from Everton.