I think Brendan Rodgers is confused

Liverpool 2-2 Young Boys | Europa League Group A match report | Football | The Guardian

Liverpool 2  

Shelvey 33, 

Cole 72

Young Boys 2  

Bobadilla 52, 

Zverotic 88

Brendan Rodgers again fooled around with his "European" Liverpool team with what was basically a second team. Afterwards, he complained of the players inability to manage the game properly. This increasingly irritating tendency to use made-up football jargon is beginning to sound a bit disturbing.

The purpose of putting out second stringers is presumably to give the hard working first team a rest. But he has to decide what he wants; qualification to the next stage at all costs or keeping the Premiership as priority. In the all-too-familiar scenario, critical personnel (read Gerard and Suarez) were brought in later in the game, although Gerard's presence was hastened due to an Andre Wisdom injury. This in an attempt to gain victory without taxing the first 11.

The question is, if The Europa League is no big deal for you, just play the second string throughout and be done with it. If on the the other hand, advancement is your main aim, then start the game with established regulars, ensure qualification and rest them all for the next game.

As it is, only a victory against Udinese away will ensure qualification to the next round. What price that Brendan Rodgers fields a strong side for this game. A great opportunity let slip away.

Liverpool break Anfield bogey

Liverpool 3-0 Wigan Athletic | Premier League match report | Football | The Observer
Too many times this season Liverpool have been found wanting at home, especially against "lesser" opposition. It looked as if this trend was set to continue early on in the game, especially during a spell when Wigan took charge. Not to worry though, as Brendan Rodgers soon Sussex out the opposition game plan as reflected by the first half tactical replacement of Suso with Henderson. One thing that is increasingly becoming apparent is the ability of Brodgers to motivate his charges as seen by the changed outlook and increased urge after a dull first half. The Red men attacked the opposition with gusto resulting in total domination, with the game being over long before the whistle. What needs to be improved is the finishing ability as too many clear chances were wasted. Say what you may about Suarez, he is only human, and the visible tiredness was apparent later in the game. His substitution was no reflection on his ability, rather on the fact that he is not a machine. Nevertheless, a great second half left a dilemma as to who was the man of the match. Cue, Jose Enrique, who has revelled in the attacking midfield role with another successive superlative performance. Good on yer Red!

Suarez is brilliant

Liverpool 1 Suarez 67

Newcastle United 1 Cabaye 43

Anfield 4th November 2012

Liverpool remain 12th after 10 games, having won only 2 games in the League this season. There is no cause for complaint on the performance, which at times is scintillating, only on the end product. After something like 25 attempts at the newcastle goal, there was only 1 goal to show, and that too from a brilliant individual act by Luis. One of the goals of the season. Suarez was so predominant, "mesmerizing individual display", that he ran Colocchini ragged, ultimately leading to the defender to vent his frustration studs-up. The words on the linesman's lips were quite clear, a straight red, though it was towards the end and did not have much effect on the game. This prompted Alan Pardew to march up to the ref at the end but as the Newcastle manager said it himself later, there was not much to argue about the intention.

Steven Gerrard's 600th senior Liverpool game did not provide much cheer for him and it was littered with mistakes and a generally indifferent performance overall. It was as if he was distracted from the task and occasion. Never mind, just being 600 is a reason to celebrate.

"Steven Gerrard was presented with an ornamental Liver bird in recognition of his 600th appearance for Liverpool before kick off, the captain becoming only the 10th player in the club's history to reach that impressive milestone.On hand for the presentation was Gerrard's former mentor in Liverpool's central midfield, Gary McAllister, and how Rodgers could do with the vision, command and experience the Scot brought to Gérard Houllier's team."

Read the full report by Andy Hunter at http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/nov/04/liverpool-newcastle-premier-league-report

Liverpool	Bradley Jones,  Daniel Agger,  Andre Wisdom,  Martin Skrtel,  José Enrique,  Nuri Sahin (Stewart Downing, 74),  Joe Allen,  Steven Gerrard,  Raheem Sterling,  Suso (Jonjo Shelvey, 66),  Luis Suárez
Newcastle United	Tim Krul,  Davide Santon,  James Perch (Danny Simpson, 27), Fabricio Coloccini,  Steven Taylor,  Vurnon Anita,  Jonás Gutiérrez,  Hatem Ben Arfa,  Yohan Cabaye (Shane Ferguson, 68),  Demba Ba (Sammy Ameobi, 50),  Papiss Demba Cissé

Referee	Anthony Taylor
Venue	Anfield
Attendance	44,803