Issues Remain for Liverpool After Penalty Drama vs. Middlesbrough

Much like a week ago when they scraped past Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League, Liverpool escaped an upset by eventually seeing off Middlesbrough after an incredible penalty shootout.

In total, 30 penalties were taken, with Liverpool winning 14-13 after the match itself had finished 1-1 after regular time and 2-2 after extra time.

It was a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance from Raheem Sterling, who was by far Liverpool's best player but then inexplicably gave the ball away in stoppage time of extra time, resulting in Middlesbrough's equalising penalty after Kolo Toure gave away the spot-kick.

Sterling was then the only Liverpool player to miss a penalty, having had the opportunity to win it after Mario Balotelli, Lucas, Adam Lallana and Suso had all scored theirs and Simon Mignolet had saved Patrick Bamford's.

The whole of the rest of the XI then took and scored theirs, including both goalkeepers.

Concerns

Despite the eventual victory, there are still plenty of concerns for Liverpool, most notably their lack of ability to see out this game—just like last week vs. Ludogorets.

At both 1-0 and 2-1 Brendan Rodgers' side really should have been able to control the game, keep it tight in midfield and ensure the victory. But just like last week, it was a misplaced pass in midfield which left them exposed and gave away a poor goal, this time a penalty in the 123rd minute.

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Liverpool's lack of tempo and fluidity, especially in the final third, will also be of major concern. So often the lack of movement up front against an organised side such as Middlesbrough and previously Aston Villa, West Ham and Ludogorets means a lack of invention or threat.

Another goal conceded from a set piece is also of concern. Mignolet continues to lack a presence, and Liverpool continue to lack a centre-back to organise and lead the side from the back. It's a major issue for Rodgers.

New Signings

Of Liverpool's eight summer signings (Divock Origi having been loaned back to Lille), only Alberto Moreno has settled so far, while three others were afforded the opportunity to impress vs. Championship opposition but failed to do so.

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Rickie Lambert was handed his full debut, having only appeared as a substitute before now, captaining the side. But he was extremely off the pace prior to being replaced by Mario Balotelli toward the end of regular time. Lambert misplaced passes, failed to hold the ball up and struggled to bring others into play.

Lallana was inventive at times but often held on to the ball too long and lost opportunities consequently.

Lazar Markovic was largely anonymous and turned down two good opportunities when he was in on goal. His final ball was also often lacking precision.

With Dejan Lovren similarly struggling when he's been involved, Rodgers' comments this week about the new signings struggling to adapt to life at Liverpool certainly seem apt.

"What people probably don’t get is the pressure of playing for such a big club" Rodgers told reporters. "The weight of the jersey here is heavy for most players. Once you adapt to playing for Liverpool you become clearer in your thinking."

Moving Forward

Rodgers opted for a 4-3-3 shape against Boro, having hinted that he will look to find some consistent shape to the side until his "multifunctional" players are back available. That looks like being the formation of choice for the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

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Rodgers will bring Balotelli back into the starting XI, and there is a possibility that Daniel Sturridge could be back from injury—Liverpool supporters will certainly be hoping so. The England forward's movement and finishing has been hugely missed in recent weeks.

Winning a penalty shootout is always a confidence boost, but the manner of performance and failure to win the game earlier will be of huge concern to all at Liverpool. This was a potential banana skin avoided—just.