Liverpool Favourite: Brendan Rodgers Not Sweating Over Defensive Issues

Jan Molby believes Brendan Rodgers is less concerned about Liverpool's defensive errors than reports might suggest with the Reds manager reliant on his attack to continue shining.

The Reds defeated Stoke 5-3 last weekend and while the game was an exciting one for neutrals, the result overshadowed the three goals conceded by the Merseyside club.

Keeper Simon Mignolet hasn't been at his usual consistent best while injuries to the likes of Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan has left Rodgers with limited options at the back.

But Molby believes that with Liverpool's current strike force Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez getting better in every game the defensive errors won't be a priority for the manager, as long as he keeps collecting maximum points.

"The firepower of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will keep us in the hunt for the Champions League spots until the end," he said in the Echo.

"It was great to see Sturridge back in action at Stoke. He's a naturally sharp player and he won us the game after coming off the bench.

"I know it's asking a lot expecting Suarez to continue in the same vein until May but I can't see the goals drying up for either him or Sturridge.

"The number of goals we're shipping away from home has to be a concern. However, I get the sense that Brendan Rodgers is prepared to concede goals in the belief that we can score our way into the top four."

Molby believes that the defensive issues are a direct result of concentrating on a brilliant attacking line-up.

He explained: "The way we play means we possibly sacrifice a bit of defensive solidity in order to continue bringing the best out of our strikers.

"Even against a team usually defensive sound like Stoke we create plenty of chances."

Liverpool face Aston Villa this weekend and with tough competition for a Champions League spot in the table holding onto their position in fourth by taking three points from the match will be paramount.