Liverpool’s form away from home is turning into a self fulfilling prophecy these days. With each defeat comes increased knowledge of how the next one will transpire. Its tempting to simply discard analysis of any away performance, in favour of simply concluding ‘Liverpool don’t win away from home.’
Last night the Liverpool players looked at first like they may have some say in this.
While Blackburn began with home-team vigour, Liverpool countered efficiently
The passing was crisp and incisive. Glen Johnson looked like Glen Johnson, with most of Liverpool’s threat coming from the right.
One early cross from Konchesky’s left was glanced just over by Torres’ head.
As Blackburn persisted however, Liverpool’s defence began to wilt. Holes began appearing and on 16 mins the on loan Manchester United striker Diouf should have tapped in Pedersen’s cross at the back post, only to see the ball graze off his shin and go wide.
Torres toyed with Blackburn’s offside trap numerous times. The ball was in the net at one point having thought he’d beat it, only for the linesman’s flag to overrule. Liverpool continued their counters but each time becoming more untied defensively.
A minute after a volleyed attempt from Dunn that went just over, the unmarked Olsen swept in the opener from Mame Diouf’s cross, with Johnson way out of position.
The stage was set for Blackburn to take all the initiative, as Liverpool lost all heart.
Konchesky didn’t disprove his doubters, Johnson done little to prove he can defend, and Maxi remained anonymous throughout, as did Cole, aside from his shot on goal in the closing stages.
Torres hasn’t lost his ability. That came in flashes last night. He’s lost his positive attitude. He displayed once again his annoying need to prove defenders have it in for him, instead of proving he can override this if he wishes. Why hasn’t the manager ‘managed’ this?
Liverpool’s problems doubled just before half time. Benjani created his own space with ease, shrugging off Kyrgiakos, to rifle into the roof of the net for Blackburn’s second.
Not long after the break Benjani tapped in again untroubled for the third after Hoilett waltzed with ease past Skrtel and Johnson in their own box.
Steven Gerrards near heroics at the closing stages would merely have masked another terrible showing from the rest. His missed penalty dampened a fight back minutes after thrashing in a late goal.
It seems Liverpool can play, but suffer severe mental scarring with each goal they concede, and Hodgson’s style is to blame for this. His persistence with a deep back four everywhere he goes, along with the incredible passivity of Lucas, invites the pluckiest and most threadbare of teams to grow in confidence with the space they are given in the final third. Blackburn were without 8 first team regulars, in the throes of new management, and outshone Liverpool in every department.
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