Liverpool’s top four ambitions took a considerable blow yesterday as rivals Manchester United left Anfield with all three points after a 2-1 victory.
The result leaves Brendan Rodgers’ men five points adrift of the Old Trafford outfit, with their hopes of Champions League football next season now hanging in the balance.
Although Steven Gerrard’s dismissal at the start of the second-half played a part in the Reds being beaten, an abject first-half display was where the bulk of the damage was done.
A key tactical error by Rodgers was exposed, as Raheem Sterling’s use at right wing-back limited the impact of arguably the host’s most explosive and dangerous attacking player.
The England international emerged from the Anfield youth ranks as a flying winger and certainly has the versatility and ability to play as a wideman in Rodgers’ bespoke 3-4-3 system.
However, this ploy neutralises his impact, with Sterling handed a fair amount of defensive responsibilities and accountable for tracking back against opposition wingers and full-backs.
On Sunday, with Marouane Fellaini drifting towards Sterling’s side of the pitch repeatedly and Daley Blind getting forward at every possible opportunity, the Liverpool man had his hands full in his own half.
This meant that the sight that the Kop would have most relished - Sterling running at pace against an unconvincing United rearguard - did not happen.
Rodgers has developed something of an embarrassment of riches in his three attacking positions, with four top-class players challenging for three starting roles.
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Daniel Sturridge has returned to fitness and started as the number nine on Sunday, whilst Rodgers opted to continue the impressive attacking midfield pairing of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana just behind the former Chelsea forward.
However, while there is certainly a merit in trying to get all your best players on the pitch, having Sterling at right wing-back was a tactical error.
Lallana has reportedly picked up an injury, which could actually work in Liverpool’s favour, as Sterling will surely return to a more offensive role.
In the long run, and with the English star’s contract dilemma still to be sorted out, finding continuity in the position that Sterling is deployed will be important for the progression of both the player and the team.
The 21-year-old adapted well to the lead striker role in Sturridge’s absence, but it appears that his preferred and most dangerous position is in an attacking midfield berth alongside Coutinho.
In Liverpool’s amazing title challenge last season Sterling operated centrally in a number ten role and evolved as a player - it is here where he can pick up intelligent positions off the ball and cause the opposition the most damage.
Playing him repeatedly at right wing-back, where he appeared reluctant to feature and not entirely happy yesterday, could even have a bearing on his decision-making process this summer when a new contract is set down in front of him.
All-in-all, had Sterling been in Liverpool’s attack from the start of the match yesterday instead of in a wide role, the hosts would have been a much more dangerous proposition; it is a mistake that Rodgers must not repeat if the Reds are to have any chance of a top-four finish.
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