Mark Lawrenson: Problems With Liverpool's Attacking Stars Are Identifiable

Mark Lawrenson has argued that Liverpool are suffering from their inability to regain possession, after the side fell to a draw against Swansea on Monday night to break their 100% winning streak.

The Reds began the Premier League campaign in stunning fashion winning their first three matches including a particularly tough match-up with historic rivals Manchester United.

But in their 2-2 draw to Swansea, which ended in such a result largely due to former Liverpool youngster Jonjo Shelvey's mistakes for the Swans, Lawrenson believes that Rodgers needs to look at how the squad recover when they lose possession in high pressure moments of the game.

"Liverpool's problem is that the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and, on Monday, Victor Moses aren't particularly great at regaining possession," he told the Liverpool Echo. "So when teams start to press, Liverpool, at present, are guilty of dropping off too much and allowing the opposition possession. I'm sure that's something Rodgers will look to address.

"They weren't helped by the enforced defensive changes. You want consistency at the back; as a defender, it's all about partnerships, whether that be the player alongside you, or on your inside or outside depending on your position."

Liverpool face Southampton on Saturday and will be looking to get back to winning ways to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table.

The side are now being thought of as title contenders by the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea but Brendan Rodgers is refusing to consider more than the goal of finishing top four with his newly-invigorated side.

And Lawrenson also agrees that there is a lot of work to be done before Liverpool will be competing for the title again.

"There remains plenty of room for improvement at Anfield before they can be truly considered top-four challengers," he explained.

"The way the Premier League is nowadays, two or three good results are all that are needed for supporters to start dreaming, a feeling exacerbated by the slow starts made by Chelsea and Manchester rivals United and City."