Liverpool need to sort their defence out before they worry about going forward

Sterling seems to be attracting rather a lot of attention for his dip in performances but there is not much point in trying to regroup up top – and this includes with a soon to return Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli – unless Rodgers can sort his defence out.

The weakest link in the Liverpool side by far, the Reds have to get their back four sorted out and drilled to defend not only from set pieces but also from counter attacks and that little bit of magic from opposition forwards.

Otherwise their forwards may as well pack up and go home now – no matter how good they are.