Liverpool's Continuing Problems Reach Critical Point After Basel Defeat

Liverpool suffered another disappointing result, this time in the Champions League. Basel inflicted their fourth defeat of the season, and Liverpool continue their run of not winning a game without help from penalties since August.

After an improved performance in the Merseyside derby—but another disappointing result—Liverpool's performance dropped again, with Basel coming out 1-0 victors courtesy of another goal conceded from a set piece.

We didn't learn anything new from this game, with the same predictable problems on show that have been apparent not only in recent weeks but also during last season.

This result has put Brendan Rodgers' side's chances of qualifying from the group at a very critical point.

Set Pieces

Marco Streller's tap-in from a corner in the 52nd minute came as no surprise; to say conceding goals from set pieces is Liverpool's Achilles' heel would be the understatement of the season so far. Post-match, Rodgers was clearly annoyed at his side's failure to deal with the corner again:

"

Rodgers: You've got to win your first contact on the ball (from a corner).

— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) October 1, 2014"

Toothless Attack

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Still missing Daniel Sturridge (thanks again, Roy), Liverpool lacked any sort of threat up front. Mario Balotelli once remarked about the postman not celebrating delivery letters, and so far Balotelli has failed to deliver much for Liverpool either. Never mind first-class; the Italian isn't even second-class at the moment.

There was one moment where the 24-year-old held the ball up well, receiving in the centre circle, turning the defender and making his way to around 30 yards out—where he continued to hammer a wayward shot high, wide and handsome. Game intelligence is clearly not in Balotelli's skill set. 

Rickie Lambert came on in the 81st minute, but the former Southampton man must be watching Balotelli and wondering just why he isn't getting a game himself.

Supporters may praise Balotelli's work rate, but that's the minimum requirement for any athlete. It's the same quality that so many fans used against Dirk Kuyt—at least the Dutchman actually delivered goals and assists. Balotelli is doing neither but is wasting good chances in attack.

Overrun in Midfield

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The signs were there last year, but Steven Gerrard is now another year older and finding himself targeted by opposing teams. His legs aren't able to cover the ground required, and when played in a 4-2-3-1 shape, which Liverpool deployed again with little success, the captain is left even more out of position when caught higher up the pitch.

Jordan Henderson was often found trying to do the job of two players, and time and again Basel had the freedom of the midfield. Liverpool were too soft.

Qualification

This defeat now means that Rodgers' side will struggle to qualify from Group B. The Reds play Real Madrid home and away next, while their Swiss opponents face Ludogorets twice. It's very likely that by the time Basel arrive at Anfield for the final group game in December, Liverpool will have to win the game and could even be eliminated already.

Liverpool need to get something from one of their fixtures against Real to dramatically improve their chances of qualifying.

On the basis of their performances so far this season, qualification from the group looks like the only way they'll be playing Champions League football in 2015.