There used to be a time where Anfield was a real fortress. Teams used to come more in hope and fear of a possible annihilation.
Nowadays, opposing sides arrive expecting to win and this famous ground has resorted itself to becoming a team bearing gifts.
Only six Premier League home victories were recorded last season by Liverpool, their worst domestic home campaign for over half a century.
This season, the same old story seems to be taking place under new management.
Defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United in the Premier League were added to by Thursday’s 3-2 loss to Udinese on matchday two of the UEFA Europa League.
Another frustrating night
It was another frustrating night for the long suffering Kop supporters, who saw chances go begging and amateurish defending which was brutally punished by the Italians.
Liverpool have now lost their last three matches at Anfield and need to regain some form of consistency if they want to mount a challenge for a top six league position or some cup silverware.
The home side began the game stronger and deservedly took the lead through a Jonjo Shelvey header, after an excellent cross from Stewart Downing.
Although Pepe Reina had to make a couple of smart saves, a victory looked probable at the interval.
That all changed when Glen Johnson had another moment of no concentration and gave the ball away within seconds of the restart.
Antonio Di Natale punished the England right back with a brilliant finish to bring the Italians level.
Udinese gained the upper hand when they took the lead with 20 minutes to go.
Sebastien Coates headed the ball into his own net after a miscommunication between him and Reina.
It was a soft goal at best and three minutes later, Steven Gerrard lost possession and Udinese scored again shortly afterwards, through a stunning strike from Giovanni Pasquale.
Luis Suarez (pictured) and Raheem Sterling were both brought on by Brendan Rodgers and Suarez responded with a magnificent free-kick on 75 minutes.
Casual defending
However, an equaliser couldn’t be found again, meaning the home supporters are getting a recent usual feeling of departing the famous ground having witnessed defeat for their beloved side.
Afterwards, Rodgers could hide his frustration at the casual defending his side has shown once again.
He said: “It was very frustrating. It was a game where we were much the better side but lost our concentration at the beginning of the second half.
“I thought we’d moved on from that, to be honest.
“We had total control in the first half and were deservedly in the lead, but we were so loose at the beginning of the second half it was frightening.
“Our concentration was very poor and before we knew it we were 3-1 down.
“The last 20 minutes was very good but it’s too late by then.”
It looks like Rodgers has some serious work to do on the training ground and the backline needs to be tightened up as far too many goals have been leaked already this season.
With a dodgy goalkeeper short of form, a right back that seems to make more errors than assists and central defenders short of communication, Stoke City might enjoy their visit to Anfield on Sunday.
The Potters will fancy their chances of taking something away from Merseyside and pile on the home misery for Liverpool fans.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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