Considering Liverpool's fine form in recent months, the defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the Champions league on wednesday may be considered by some as a mere blow in their genuine quest for top honours; this season and next. However the nature of the defeat, and the symptoms which induced the loss, suggest that inadequacies which have prevented the reds from challenging for the domestical title in recent years, will continue to obstruct their lofty ambitions.
It is difficult to be too critical of Rafa Benitez's team; they have been magnificent of late, destroying team's in a fashion that would have seemed inconcievable a season or two ago. It is also important to note the stellar performance of the London outfit on Merseyside. Chelsea played a brave and intelligent match with Guus Hiddink outmanouvering his Spanish counterpart at every turn.
However, with the pressure applied after Chelsea's albeit empthatic response courtesey of Carlo Ivanovic, Liverpool's lack of creativity and imagination, in key areas on the pitch, was painfully clear to see.
The basis of Rafa Benitez's blue print for success at Anfield combines defensive solidarity with gritty determination; neither of which have been especially championed amidst the abundance of plaudits Liverpool have recieved in recent weeks. Despite boasting the best goal difference in the league, it is becoming evident that Liverpool no longer have an invincible defensive guard. Martin Skrtel looks less and less like a top professional with each game he plays, and the uncomposed, maligned displays of Jamie Carragher suggest that the years of being a the defensive lynchpin of the Kop may well be catching up with him. The defensive strength synonomous with Benitez's team was again absent in this quarter final; but tellingly, their attacking prowess which has almost magically appeared in the previous dozen games also alluded them, making for distaterously bleak viewing.
Liverpool fans may argue that they did fashion chances in the first half and managed to score a fine goal from open play; but this can be largely attributed to the work their talismanic figure up top. Fernando Torres looked like the only player capable of unlocking the Chelsea defence all game.
Similarly to featured performances previous seasons of benitez's reign, Liverpool players looked uncomfortable in possession against Chelsea, unable to pass and move fluently, lacking confidence it is difficult to question Benitez's u