Upon requests from many of our readers, who are Liverpool fans, we will occasionally post stories from the blog, Liverpool Banter, created by our friends at Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post .This post is by Jack Watson, a Columnist @ Liverpool Banter, www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk
So far this season, Liverpool have been very inconsistent. They have gone from the highs of winning 2-0 at the Emirates to disappointing draws at home to newly-promoted sides, Norwich City and Swansea City.
Much of this is down to the lack of goals being scored. After 11 league games, only 14 goals have hit the opposition net which just isn't good enough. Liverpool have hit the woodwork 11 times this season, though, which softens the blow a little.
The Reds sit fifth in the table, three points behind Tottenham who have a game in hand. Luckily, it is only early in the season but we can't continue to let our rivals stretch a lead over us. Arsenal may be below us but they have reignited their season over the past few weeks with some strong performances and keep collecting points.
The problem is clearly scoring goals. There are plenty of chances being created, but only 9% of them are being taken. - OptaStats
Luis Suarez is the most active Liverpool player in front of goal, constantly creating chances for not only his teammates, but himself. He continues to stretch defences, create openings and get shots in on goal. He managed 11 shots - alone - against Norwich City but Liverpool stumbled to a 1-1 draw.
He wasn't at his best last time out against Swansea - where the Reds drew 0-0 - but, again, he was the most potent attacking threat.
Much has been written of Andy Carroll this season, about his under-performing, and it has to be said; he really needs to buck up his ideas. You can see glimpses of the talent he possesses but he doesn't do that enough.
He proved this by crashing a shot into the crossbar from six-yards out against Swansea and sending a late header wide when Norwich visited Anfield. He has a lack of confidence and a run in the team may do him well.
The problem Liverpool have on their hands is this: over the summer, the club tried to build the team around Carroll when, in fact, it should have been built around Suarez.
It is as clear as daylight that the little Uruguayan needs a strike partner - unless Andy Carroll starts scoring - or Liverpool will continue to suffer in front of goal.
But who does Comolli bring in? Edinson Cavani of Napoli and Uruguay? Someone who links up so well with Suarez. I'd welcome Cavani to Anfield with open arms and a big hug.
In the absence of Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish is effectively losing 10-20 goals a season from midfield and, so far, no one looks likely to step up in place of the skipper.
Charlie Adam gets forward plenty of times throughout matches, but he's not a lethal goalscorer. He's good for 5-10 goals, but that's about it. Lucas will never be a proper goalscoring threat - quite evidently.
It then comes down to the flanks where Stewart Downing has drifted in and out of games all season and has barely tested any goalkeepers. (The same could be said of Dirk Kuyt). It is fair to say he has been unlucky, though, striking the woodwork on more than one occasion. However, at £20 million, you'd expect a lot more from him.
Recently, there has been a lot of calls for Maxi to return to the starting line-up as he links up well with Suarez. I'd have to agree with this. When the two South Americans played together at the tail-end of last season, they looked excellent. Maxi even grabbed a few goals for himself.
My solution is Dalglish reverts to the tried-and-trusted 4-2-3-1 formation. Give Andy Carroll more of a chance to prove himself over the festive period and play Downing, Suarez and Maxi behind him. And until Gerrard returns, keep the Adam and Lucas partnership together.
Put keep the faith as the goals will flow. This may come across as criticism and put-downs to the team but it is not. The chances are being created, they just need to be put away.
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