5 Mistakes, Brendan Rogers made in Merseyside Derby.

Since the start of the new season, Liverpool seems to have got its groove back, figuratively speaking, oscillating between first and second position in the league. This is due to the managerial astuteness of Brendan Rogers coupled with  his January signings of Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho, who have been bargains that have helped lead the charge for a champions league spot finish this season. 

Fast forward to the Merseyside derby, which is usually one of the fiercely contested games in soccer history.  It is renown for its high octane battles with its attendance sending offs. High drama, controversy  are usually expected. But it is the job of the manager not to be caught up with all the emotion. Afterall all, it is he, who must keep a level head in order to make the necessary tactical decisions to influence the game in his side's favor.  To be clear, I am not one to be casting aspersions on Brenden Roger, who is one of the best managers in the premier league and is miles ahead of me in  the understanding of the game. Having said that, there are a few things that could have been done a bit better.

1. No foil for Lukaku

Lukaku is known for his physical play, and the strength that he brings in his game. But it was odd, that Sakho and Kolo Troure-two centre backs, who have provided a physical match for him, were left on the bench. That decision was responsible for Lukaku, ending up as man of the match, with two goals to his tally.

The game against Arsenal also showed the side of Rogers that is willing to let his opponents play as along his side does. That is counter productive, except one believes his sides attack is much sharper.

Juxtaposed with his win earlier in the season against arch-rivals, Manchester United, makes my point exactly. In that game, Liverpool were very well organized because they understood the threat, the Red Devils carry.

2. 12 minutes of chaos

A period of about 12 minutes in the second half, Everton had over three chances to level the score line.  Rogers did not react on time, thereby allowed the inevitable equalizer. It got worse when Everton took the lead for the first time in the game, after Rogers made an attacking substitution, reliving Lucas from his defensive duties.  One would have thought, that the manager should first address the waves of Evertonian attacks, by bringing in defensive reinforcements, before trying to extend the lead. Also, the practice of trying to out-score opponents should be discouraged rather the Reds, when they take the lead should be better at killing off games.

3. Big boys sometimes need a rest.

Great Players like Gerrard are indispensable to any team. But in the derby, it was obvious that he was still reeling from the mid-week friendly with Germany. He was caught in possession several times, his missed clearance gave Lukaku, the penalty like chance to level the scores to 2-2.

Also, Coutinho should have been substituted instead of Lucas.

With three games to play next week, Rogers must rotate effectively, even if it means putting match winners on the bench.

4. Henderson on the right.

Henderson is a player that divides opinions. Just observe the reactions to Alex Ferguson's comment in his book, "Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography". He is a very hard working player but provides little in terms of creativity, so why continuously play him on the right when his high work rate is better suited for a more central role? In the derby, Glen Johnson, a left back, provided a much greater threat from the flank than the player in front of him in formation.

5. Frailty At Set Pieces

Liverpool has conceded more goals from set pieces than from normal play. This trend needs to be wooded on, if the aspiration of a fourth place finish is to be realized. Ironically, scoring from set pieces is the Reds' strength. Maybe, they could try what the Gunners did against in their match and defend much higher up the pitch when defending in direct free kicks.