Liverpool fans had shown genuine excitement at the start of this season about the prospects of their team. A raft of new signings had made a positive impact and the club had began the season unbeaten, a run that included a 2-0 win at Arsenal.
However, the first blow against the Anfield club was struck last week when they were beaten 1-0 at Stoke City.
Rather than show a quick recovery from that blow, this past weekend Liverpool suffered a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, and will now be without Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam. The duo will be suspended after being sent off at White Hart Lane.
What should be worrying for Liverpool fans is that rather than grit his teeth and fight, it appears Dalglish could be equally likely to adopt the victim mentality that has become so prevalent in today’s game.
Dalglish showed disdain at the two red cards at White Hart Lane rather than focus on his team’s failings, and discussed in depth the fact he did not agree with the penalty given at Stoke. It would likely be more effective if the manager focused on why his team did not score at the Britannia Stadium, or the fact that Jonathan Walters burned Jamie Carragher for pace to win the penalty.
Indeed, whether it is the style of play used by the opposition, the referee or some other perceived injustice it is rare today that a manager gets beat in a game and does not come out with excuses. Sadly in the last two weeks, Dalglish has shown signs of falling into that trap.
In a BBC Sport interview last week, Dalglish claimed every major refereeing decision has gone against the Reds this season as they are “continually battered by things outside of our control.”
Of course, those comments blatantly ignored the fact that both goals in the 2-0 win at Arsenal had an element of controversy, and the Reds got the rub of the green on both occasions. Dalglish also did not need to discuss referee’s last season when a 102nd minute penalty earned Liverpool a point at the Emirates Stadium.
On that occasion Dalglish cited Liverpool’s “commitment” as a key factor. That theory rings true once more, and it is the commitment and work of Dalglish and his squad will be key again to get through this tough period and keep their title challenge alive.
Dalglish also has some off field concerns to deal with in a week that features a Carling Cup trip to in-form Championship team Brighton & Hove Albion, and a Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Inspirational captain Steven Gerrard could return from injury against Brighton, and as long as it is managed well and he does not break down again, that will be a timely boost for the Reds.
It would also be wise of the club to discipline idiotic reserve striker Nathan Ecclestone. The striker left a message on twitter on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks suggesting that terrorists did not commit the attacks and promoted conspiracy theories.
For an American owned club that is making marketing inroads across the pond, this is a serious PR black eye and Ecclestone should be dealt with swiftly and harshly.
It is amazing how quickly things change in football, in the space of two games Liverpool have gone from a dark horse for the title full of confidence, to a club sliding and falling behind Manchester United.
That can turn around quickly again but it will take knuckling down, focusing on the task at hand.
Rather than show a quick recovery from that blow, this past weekend Liverpool suffered a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, and will now be without Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam. The duo will be suspended after being sent off at White Hart Lane.
What should be worrying for Liverpool fans is that rather than grit his teeth and fight, it appears Dalglish could be equally likely to adopt the victim mentality that has become so prevalent in today’s game.
Dalglish showed disdain at the two red cards at White Hart Lane rather than focus on his team’s failings, and discussed in depth the fact he did not agree with the penalty given at Stoke. It would likely be more effective if the manager focused on why his team did not score at the Britannia Stadium, or the fact that Jonathan Walters burned Jamie Carragher for pace to win the penalty.
Indeed, whether it is the style of play used by the opposition, the referee or some other perceived injustice it is rare today that a manager gets beat in a game and does not come out with excuses. Sadly in the last two weeks, Dalglish has shown signs of falling into that trap.
In a BBC Sport interview last week, Dalglish claimed every major refereeing decision has gone against the Reds this season as they are “continually battered by things outside of our control.”
Of course, those comments blatantly ignored the fact that both goals in the 2-0 win at Arsenal had an element of controversy, and the Reds got the rub of the green on both occasions. Dalglish also did not need to discuss referee’s last season when a 102nd minute penalty earned Liverpool a point at the Emirates Stadium.
On that occasion Dalglish cited Liverpool’s “commitment” as a key factor. That theory rings true once more, and it is the commitment and work of Dalglish and his squad will be key again to get through this tough period and keep their title challenge alive.
Dalglish also has some off field concerns to deal with in a week that features a Carling Cup trip to in-form Championship team Brighton & Hove Albion, and a Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Inspirational captain Steven Gerrard could return from injury against Brighton, and as long as it is managed well and he does not break down again, that will be a timely boost for the Reds.
It would also be wise of the club to discipline idiotic reserve striker Nathan Ecclestone. The striker left a message on twitter on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks suggesting that terrorists did not commit the attacks and promoted conspiracy theories.
For an American owned club that is making marketing inroads across the pond, this is a serious PR black eye and Ecclestone should be dealt with swiftly and harshly.
It is amazing how quickly things change in football, in the space of two games Liverpool have gone from a dark horse for the title full of confidence, to a club sliding and falling behind Manchester United.
That can turn around quickly again but it will take knuckling down, focusing on the task at hand.
