Liverpool FC: 8 Things We Learned at the Etihad Stadium

Liverpool entertained Manchester City at the Etihad stadium on Tuesday night knowing that a win would move them up to the coveted fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League. Liverpool made an unexpected decision to take part of Luis Suarez' eight-match ban for that game, with Carroll taking his place. Gerrard was deemed not fit enough to start.

Liverpool dominated the game but had no goals to fully control the game, and it was a defeat for Liverpool that cost them the chance of gaining on fourth place.

Here are eight things we learned.

Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard Should Start All Games Possible

It was a relief to Liverpool fans when Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy took to the pitch following a consistent flow of indirect attacks, usually consisting of Liverpool having the ball in promising areas yet being unable to penetrate.

Gerrard's impact was apparent; not so obvious as against Newcastle, but apparent nonetheless. The skipper makes a difference to the way Liverpool play. They pass the ball quicker and with more confidence.

When Bellamy and Gerrard came on, it's true that no one scored, but the team looked better—more sound. The pressure was maintained against City. Bellamy provided pace down the wing and seemed to develop some kind of telepathically-linked understanding with Gerrard.

It is this kind of link-up that made Liverpool successful when they almost won the Premier League a couple of years ago with Gerrard and Torres.

I am not saying that Torres and Bellamy are the same kind of players; they are not.

However, having the ability to play Gerrard or some other playmaker, notably Charlie Adam alongside Bellamy, makes the team look a different side, full of pace and life. He challenged the back four constantly, acting as a menace.

He and Gerrard should play as many games as they can together.

Liverpool Are Having Too Many of 'Those Days'

It's been a common theme to see Liverpool put in a decent performance yet come away without a single goal. Today, albeit against tough opposition, Liverpool had enough possession, yet they failed to create clear-cut chances and turn those into goals.

Suarez wasn't playing but Downing and Kuyt had chances, yet Liverpool couldn't hit the target. Why? I don't know; no one does. It's effing frustrating though.

So, what can change?

You can't inject confidence into Carroll. You can't ask the opposition to let you score. You need that little bit of clinical finishing, and luck, which Manchester City had on the night and which Liverpool were once again left missing.

The Scoreline Can Be Harsh at Times

The scoreline flattered Manchester City. The first goal was lucky. The second was a silly error. Only the third can there be no arguments against.

Liverpool should feel aggrieved that yet again luck did not shine kindly upon them. City and fans alike will look upon the score and feel proud. There's nothing wrong with that. But City did more defending than Liverpool—a lot more.

That scoreline does not reflect the true picture of the game.

Try Your Luck When You're out of It

Something I've realised recently about Liverpool's performances is that no one seems to take the ball on and have a shot. Gerrard, Bellamy and Henderson did, and yes, they all went wide, but it takes one shot to go in, to catch a deflection or to make a goalkeeper slip up and allow a forward to reap the rewards.

Yesterday, the conditions were perfect. The ground was wet, the ball slippery. It was a goalkeeping nightmare. The rain would have hampered vision, ask Pepe Reina.

So, why didn't anyone shoot?

If it were me in charge of Liverpool, I would urge players like Agger, Adam, Gerrard, Bellamy, Suarez and Carroll to have a shot if it opens up. The worst that can happen is they miss.

Oh, please note I did not include Jose Enrique in that shooting list.

Life Without Luis Suarez Doesn't Look Too Good

Though Suarez has a poor chance-conversion rate, he does provide that little bit of pace and flair that every good side needs. Look at Van Persie, Silva, Rooney or Juan Mata. Every top team has one. Liverpool have Gerrard, yes. But having Suarez and Gerrard together looked like a recipe for success.

It doesn't seem to be likely, does it?

First Gerrard is injured. Now he is fit, and Suarez can't play.

Liverpool need goals, and flair provides goals. The direct approach using Carroll does not work. Well, it hasn't yet.

Liverpool need Suarez, and tonight's game seemed to prove that.

Liverpool Need a January Spree

My word, do we need a striker.

Liverpool had four more shots than City, yet City scored three more times than Liverpool. Why?

Clinicality is lacking. Carroll has got my faith to come good since he played well today, yet he still couldn't score. That's what matters. He needs time, but we can't afford to give it to him.

Not now.

We need a proven striker. Anyone that can play up front and score goals week in, week out. The "fox-in-the-box striker." Podolski, Bent, Muller, anyone.

Please?

Liverpool Need to Continue Working

The thing that annoys me most is the fact that Liverpool looked superior for vast points in the match. We had more possession, more shots. Yet no result.

I've written many times that it has to come good, and it does. Sure, the team needs investment. But not every team is Manchester City. Not every team has the class, the strength in depth and characteristic values that City possess.

The games only get easier; the results will get better.

I will sit here now and tell you that with Gerrard back and a striker brought in, Liverpool will go from strength to strength.

Fourth Place Is by No Means Lost

If you sat watching Liverpool last night and are now in a state of depression, think again. Liverpool are three points off fourth, not 20. We still have Arsenal and Chelsea to come to Anfield, and I will sit here and tell you we have a favourite's chance of winning those games.

We play well against the best opposition. We played well yesterday, we just didn't get the goals to show it. Yes, maybe I'm an optimist. But hey, we need optimists.

If Liverpool win those games and continue to put in performances reminiscent of those against Newcastle, we will finish in the top four. We need things to go our way, sure—we need a striker and a little luck. But everyone needs luck in football.

Liverpool's top-four push is still well and truly on.

Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for reading.