Life’s a Pitch: Real signs of progress at Liverpool?

Two draws is hardly the type of form to get excited about for a team with Champions league aspirations. But the manner of Liverpool’s 2-2 results at both Arsenal and Manchester City does at least suggest the Merseysiders can mix it with the big guns.

Those two matches also perfectly highlighted the main obstacle to quick progress for Brendan Rodgers. Yes, the attack is now scoring more freely, but the defence is equally likely to concede.

Kristian Walsh looks at the reasons for this – both in terms of collective or individual responsibility – and suggests some better quality reinforcements are required this summer.

One of those under threat is goalkeeper Pepe Reina. And even before his inexplicable decision to go walkabout for Sergio Aguero’s equaliser at the Etihad, the Sunday Telegraph’s Jason Burt was discussing how Rodgers intends to cash-in on the Spaniard before next season.

And while admitting Liverpool’s defensive failings, Iain Macintosh can still see signs of progress and a team that is coming round to Rodgers’ positive way of thinking.

Away from Anfield, Michael Cox takes a good look at Scott Parker and argues that the England midfielder has his work cut out to match the expert defensive screening role that the now injured Sandro has been performing for Spurs. In fact, Michael believes how well Parker manages this could determine whether André Villas-Boas’ men are playing Champions League or Europa League football next season.

And as the dust settles after the transfer window, the Life’s a Pitch team run the rule over the most interesting signings, assessing whether they’ll be hits or misses.

Mike Calvin, meanwhile, argues why Jurgen Klinsmann would be a good choice as the next Chelsea manager and suggests that Newcastle’s business model is based on buying young talent with the intention of selling them at a profit.

Expert pundit videos

“I don’t think Rodgers rates Reina that highly”

The Sunday Telegraph’s Jason Burt discusses Pepe Reina’s future at Liverpool following a lengthy period of indifferent form.
Loss of faith? >

Coutinho, Zaha and Forren: Hit or miss?

Are Coutinho, Zaha and Forren set to take the Premier League by storm? The Life’s a Pitch team assess their chances of success at their new clubs.
Success or failure? >

Holtby, Haïdara and Pogatetz: Hit or miss?

The Life’s a Pitch team assess the impact that Lewis Holtby, Massadio Haïdara and Emanuel Pogatetz will have at their new clubs.
A fresh start >

“The country just doesn’t like Ashley Cole”

Ashley Cole strides out for England for his 100th cap tonight. But will people be cheering or jeering? The Life’s a Pitch panel examines the possibilities.
Mr unpopular >

Lively opinion blogs

Rodgers’ revolution requires a defensive overhaul

Having addressed Liverpool’s attacking shortcomings, Kristian Walsh reckons Brendan Rodgers’ next big task is to shore up an alarmingly porous defence.
On the defensive >

Liverpool charged up by Rodgers’ positivity

There is still some way to go but Iain Macintosh firmly believes that Brendan Rodgers is turning his team around to his way of thinking.
Positive thinking >

Spurs’ top-four hopes rest on Parker filling Sandro’s shoes

Can Scott Parker match the supreme standards of the injured Sandro in the holding midfield role and see Spurs secure Champions League football, wonders Michael Cox.
Stand-in >

Klinsmann a good shout as the next Chelsea manager

Mike Calvin examines the list of potential replacements as Rafael Benitez’s time at Chelsea looks increasingly set to come to an abrupt end.
The next Chelsea manager? >

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