Liverpool's homage to the 1990's fantasy adventure Groundhog Day continued in earnest - this time Newcastle United were the recipients of Liverpool's warm spirited nature in donating Premier League points.
The reds, close runners up in last years Premier League title race, are now 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea with just over a quarter of the season gone.
And there is little to suggest that this figure won't be at least double in another 10 games time.
Brendan Rodgers continual insistence in ripping up last seasons formation, his determination to be proven right over Mario Balotelli, is not only costing Liverpool points but appears to be affecting the other 10 players motivation. The reds have lost all their zip, swagger and verve from last season.
The reds sold one player, admittedly world class, but the £115M recruitment policy looks unbalanced and overpriced. Spending £20M on two target men to replace a £75M striker perhaps the biggest mistake since Tottenham elected to undertake a similar haphazard view of replacing Gareth Bale.
So an hour before kick off there was a knock on Punxsutawney Brendan's door and he handed over the team-sheet - and Liverpool fans saw the shadow - there would be another 90 minutes of wintry football ahead.
One lonely 'striker' up front called Mario, a trio of midfielders to sit in front of Lovren and Skrtel, and then Coutinho and Sterling utilised in wider positions.
Liverpool had one attempt on goal in the first half - it was off target - and it arrived in the 40th minute when Skrtel put a Gerrard corner wide and high of the goal.
Across 90 minutes of football the reds forced the Newcastle keeper into three saves.
![Sterling was ineffective again when used out wide [Squawka]](http://www.anfield-online.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Screen-Shot-2014-11-02-at-13.30.21-1024x896.png)
Sterling was ineffective again when used out wide [Squawka]
These are the facts of the situation that Liverpool find themselves in. The football is not improving. There have been no marginal gains. The reds have failed to win 6 of their opening 10 games, and it has arguably been Liverpool's easiest 10 game spell of the season ahead.
Highlight of the game? Probably Mignolet diving the wrong way but his legs preventing it being 2-0 to Newcastle when the Geordies once again opened up the reds.
Following the game Rodgers said:
"It's not working for us at the moment. We will continue to hope we get that wee bit of luck and the confidence in final third can return.
"We made a mistake and that cost us the game. That's the biggest disappointment. If you can't score the goals to win the game, you have to make sure you don't concede."
Little sign of any changes ahead then. Liverpool travel to Real Madrid on Tuesday before welcoming Chelsea to Anfield on Saturday.
Do try and have a good week.
nothing more could be said about our lacklustre performances in recent times. there should have been a better replacement with suarez departure from the club by a reasonable coach. it appears that Rodgers cannot go any further with his plans of winning the EPL as this is evident in our way of play against our superb performance last season. it wont be asurprise if the fans will start raising placards with inscriptions such as ” Rodgers must go” or ” sack Rodgers now”
“I know, why don’t we sign Fabian Delph?…that’s the solution” FFS!
Liverpool are spineless cowards, chokers and serial letdown merchants, we have been a complete and utter DISGRACE this season! awful in EVERY single match except away at Spurs, simply cannot defend! poor management and poor coaching, tens of millions of pounds wasted on GARBAGE and even 16million wasted on a trouble making clown and liability!.
Rodgers has simply got to GO! a thrashing at Real Madrid and by chelsea and others will see it too.