Rodgers formation change may have saved Liverpool's season

23 December 2014 09:27

Just over a week ago Mark Lawrenson called Liverpool's performances this season “rudderless”. However, after their 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the weekend, he, and many others see a way that the Reds can turn around their drab performances. So, with their strikers either injured or misfiring, should Brendan Rodgers consider continuing with a lineup that includes a false striker?

Lawrenson states, “Rodgers changed the formation to 3-4-3 and it seems to work much better.”

Indeed Liverpool’s performance as at the weekend was their best in the league this season. Their defensive struggles, and lack of a proven striker, are the only reasons why they did not handily defeat Arsenal. However, signs of last season’s offensive performances were evident. With 27 shots as compared to Arsenal’s seven this cannot be disputed. Of course the return of Sturridge will improve the team. But, for now the only question can be as to whether or not Liverpool can replicate Barcelona and Bayern Munich in employing temporary false striker formations in order to move past their injury crises. It would be foolish to say that they could be as successful as the former. However, based on the weekend’s performance, as compared to several previous, there can be little doubt that the 3-4-3 line-up is worth a shot in their upcoming fixtures. Lawrenson as well as several Red’s players have certainly been convinced by recent performances.

Lawrenson explains, "It has been frustrating at times that we have created so many chances, but at the same time it is pleasing our performance levels are much better."

Jordan Henderson adds, “We have to keep the performance level like that and results will come. Hopefully we can keep building on it.”

He continues, “The aim is to keep improving and results will follow. People like Sturridge coming back will really give us a lift.”

Source: DSG