Tom Oldfield
Suffering two defeats inside the first fortnight of the season was classed as a disaster for Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool – so a third loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge hardly helped matters. And, with all the talk surrounding money bags Manchester City and free-scoring Arsenal, the Reds are suddenly looking nervously over their shoulder. From genuine title contenders two months ago, some feel they may now face a fight just to qualify for the Champions League.
Yes, the campaign is only eight games old and it is far too early to write anyone off, but the warning signs are there for all to see. And it does not make happy viewing for Liverpool supporters up and down the country. Aside from Fernando Torres’ fine form spearheading the attack, not a lot has gone to plan thus far. Benitez’s side look a far cry from the group who reached the Champions League final in 2007, and thoughts of lifting that trophy, as in 2005, seem further away than ever.
When Liverpool re-established themselves among Europe’s elite during those glorious campaigns, one of the biggest factors was their miserly defence. Taking incredible pride in preventing opponents from breaching their lines, they conceded just six goals en route to the stunning 2005 final and only eight two years later. Skipper Steven Gerrard was of course an inspirational driving force from midfield, contributing a string of priceless strikes, but it was Jamie Carragher who was arguably the biggest difference-maker. He transformed the back four into an impenetrable unit and gave the attackers the desired freedom to express themselves.
Carragher himself upped his game once under the watchful eye of Benitez and it is no exaggeration to put him among the world’s top defenders over the past three or four seasons. His anticipation, positioning, bravery and strength in the tackle gave first Jerzy Dudek and then Pepe Reina the best possible protection while his organisational skills brought improved performances from those around him. The likes of Steve Finnan and John Arne Riise raised their game from good to great and, with Carragher calling the shots, Liverpool were fearless. Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and countless others were left frustrated by the Reds’ rearguard.
But this season, things have been different at Anfield. Benitez has watched his side leak goals regularly and Carragher, in particular, has been found wanting at times. Harsh though it is to highlight the lapses of a club stalwart, the Liverpool defender is suffering a rare dip in form and, because the team are so dependant on him, the Reds are stuttering badly as a result.
Torres’ rescue acts have somewhat masked defensive frailties but it should be noted that Liverpool needed to score three times at Bolton and West Ham to secure victories while Fiorentina and Chelsea also netted twice against the Reds in recent weeks. Clean sheets have been coming at a premium and improvement is desperately needed.
It is a reflection of Carragher’s value that Liverpool are crumbling in part because of his below-par displays. It is a reminder of the extent to which he has been holding the defence together over the past few seasons and his importance for team morale. On paper, the Reds’ back line was never world-beating but Carragher marshalled the unit impeccably and his leadership was a decisive factor on many a famous European night. During this campaign, he has failed to match those lofty standards but he is certainly not alone in this regard.
As Didier Drogba shrugged Carragher aside to tee up Florent Malouda and secure victory in the Chelsea-Liverpool battle at Stamford Bridge, the visitors looked a broken side. And there are serious questions to address. Big money signing Glen Johnson offers a lot going forward but is not a reliable right-back in the mould of Finnan or Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa, young gun Emiliano Insua is new to first team football while the Carragher-Martin Skrtel axis never appears as assured as when the Liverpool vice-captain is paired with Daniel Agger.
The challenge now is to recover quickly enough to maintain their place in the title race and, failing that, in the secondary scrap for a top four finish. Much of this will depend on Carragher and the way he responds. He must be the one to pull the defence together again, ensure they are on the same page and take the lead in securing some much-needed shut-outs. Once the back four gells again, clean sheets will surely follow.
Carragher is Liverpool through and through and, though he is currently paying the price for being his side’s saviour so often, he will undoubtedly return to top form. But in the meantime the Reds face an anxious wait as they seek to get their season back on track.
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