Liverpool Improve but Same Vulnerabilities Persist in Ludogorets Draw

Liverpool successfully avoided a fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions and Real Madrid's win against Basel means that Brendan Rodgers' side have it all to play for in their final group match against the Swiss side in a fortnight.

However, a 2-2 draw against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets Razgrad is not a result to be celebrating—as much as Rodgers and goalscorers Jordan Henderson and Rickie Lambert attempted to in their post-match interviews on Sky Sports.

"[It was a] great effort by the players tonight I thought they were outstanding," claimed Rodgers. "We showed wonderful resilience and kept our focus."

Just quite how conceding a goal three minutes from full-time off a corner constitutes keeping your focus, is a puzzlement only Rodgers can explain.

Indeed, it was the 13th goal conceded from set-pieces this season for Liverpool—in just 19 games. To say the same vulnerabilities persisted would be an understatement. 

"

13 - Liverpool have conceded 29 goals in all competitions this season, 13 of which have come from set pieces. Shaky.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2014"

Rodgers attempted to change things up in Sofia, moving captain Steven Gerrard into a more advanced role behind Rickie Lambert in attack.

The Reds' shape resembled a 4-2-3-1, with Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva as the two deep midfielders, but often looked more like a 4-4-1-1—leaving Gerrard and Rickie Lambert, players with a combined age of 66, who both played a full 90 minutes four days ago, up front.

The two biggest positives on the night were the performances of Raheem Sterling, operating on the left of midfield and the returning Jordan Henderson, who was on the right. Those two showed improved form, particularly Sterling, while Lambet's second goal in two games was also pleasing.

What wasn't pleasing was the home side's opening goal, a huge mistake from Simon Mignolet in goal—another common vulnerability this season. Admittedly it took an awful bounce, but it was an error without doubt.

Subs

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Sterling, by far Liverpool's best player and biggest attacking threat, was withdrawn with eight minutes to go—suffering from a stomach problem as explained by Rodgers in the post-match interview. But without his pace and threat, Liverpool's attack allowed Ludogorets the ball and invited pressure.

With a bench that featured Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can and Fabio Borini, it was disappointing neither Gerrard or Lambert—both visibly struggling and unable to press high up the pitch—were withdrawn in favour of getting more energy in attack.

Instead, as they did against Crystal Palace on Sunday when Allen was replaced for Can, Rodgers' substitution proved game-changing for all the wrong reasons.

Managers are paid to make changes that win games, but Rodgers' lately have been doing the opposite.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

It was an improved performance, more resilient than on Sunday, but it could only be that—it could not be worse. A 2-2 draw against a side who nobody had heard of three months ago should not be celebrated as a turning moment.

Rodgers' insistence on playing Gerrard for a full 90 minutes, despite three games in a week, continues to be a huge concern.

All the while, the same defensive frailties that have been on display all season persist with little sign of improvement.

Liverpool must improve again if they are to beat Stoke on Saturday and achieve their first Premier League win since the middle of October.