After a poor start to the Premier League season and an early exit from the Champions League, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said it was time to start looking for ways to get the Reds back and firing again, and the tactical shift to a 3-4-3 formations looks to have done the trick.
Although they lost out to bitter rivals Manchester United and could only manage a draw with Arsenal, the sheer amount of possession and chances created and either match hints at a positive progression for the Anfield outfit — something that has midfielder Adam Lallana smiling again. “We’ve found a system that the gaffer has changed and got us playing — and I think it’s working,” said the former Southampton captain following the draw with Gunners. “We’ve been creating a lot more chances, in the United game, Bournemouth game and today.”
With star striker Daniel Sturridge set to return at some point in January, Liverpool will once again have a recognized goal-scorer in the side to put away those chances. Raheem Sterling, handed a central role in the last three matches, has done an admiral job of trying to fill in for the 25-year old, but his relative lack of experience in the position has been there to see. While there’s no doubt that the youngster would be able to adapt if given time, he’s not the only one that has been shifted into a less familiar role in the tactical change up with Jordan Henderson being deployed as a wing-back — something he’s not bothered by, as long as it’s good for the group.
“It’s pleasing that the performance levels are much better. You can feel that intensity returning, with getting the ball back and pressuring high up the pitch” he said when asked how the change in formation has impacted the side. “The passing, the movement and the penetration in behind is also better. Hopefully we can keep building on it and keep picking up points. We’re getting back to the levels we know we can play at. If we keep playing like that, then the results will follow.”
