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killer instinct

Statistics show why Liverpool have struggled this season

The Reds saw any chance of Champions League qualification all but extinguished in last night’s defeat at the KC Stadium.

BRENDAN RODGERS HAS blamed a lack of “killer instinct” in the final third for their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Hull City last night and believes their lack of goals is the main reason they have struggled this season.

“We can’t hide away from fact we’ve lost over 50 goals from last season, and any team is going to struggle to maintain the levels with that. Even with Suarez and Sturridge we weren’t tipped to be in top four last season,” the Liverpool manager said.

“It’s about having that reference at the top end of the field that gives others the confidence to create opportunities. The players worked hard but our struggles were what they have been for a big part of the season, creativity and scoring goals.”

Liverpool netted 101 Premier League goals in last year’s campaign, with Sturridge and Suarez accounting for 52 of them. But with Suarez now lighting up La Liga for Barcelona and Sturridge missing most of the 2014-15 campaign through injury, Liverpool have managed just 47 goals in 34 outings.

But their strikeforce haven’t just been bad, Liverpool’s out-and-out forwards have been the least prolific in the Premier League. Not counting Raheem Sterling, who has been converted into a striker this year, Liverpool’s recognised forwards have scored just eight goals between them — Sturridge (4), Lambert (2), Balotelli (1) and Borini (1).

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Although the 42-year-old insisted that they will show fight in their remaining fixtures, he did seem to be looking toward the summer and using the transfer market to strengthen certain areas of the squad.

“For supporters and players it’s always great if you can get in those marquee players that can really help you, the one or two that maybe we need,” Rodgers said.

“The club are working very hard and the owners will support that. If they’re available and affordable, the club will do everything to get them. That’s the challenge for me next season: building a team that can get through the rough waters.”

Where do you think Liverpool need to strengthen this summer? 

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