I am not a Liverpool supporter, but I respect the side and in my opinion Steven Gerrard is the best English footballer bar none.

That's why I find it sad to see Gerrard's talent being wasted and his confidence waning as a result by the incoherent machinations of Rafa Benitez.

Gerrard is one of Europe's best midfielders. Why does Benitez play him on the wing?

Although he's the type of team player who will play anywhere he is needed, Gerrard belongs in the middle. Liverpool showed a bit of life against Man U only after Gerrard was moved back into central midfield near the end of the match -- when it was too late.

And why didn't Crouch start against Man U after scoring the only goal in the Champions League victory against Bordeaux a few days earlier?

After adding Craig Bellamy who should have improved the side, Liverpool looks considerably weaker this year than last.

I just don't understand Benitez's constant rotation scheme when the team is losing.

It now appears that Liverpool will finish behind not only Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal, but also behind Bolton (my team), Aston Villa and even crosstown rival Everton.

Wtf is Benitez thinking?

I must say though that it gives me no end of pleasure to see them struggling at the moment ( some of my mates are dyed-in-the-wool-reds)

Gerrard IS playing out of position but the problem they are having is far simpler than that. Confidence plays a massive part in how a team performs, and Liverpool displayed a complete lack of it against Man Utd on Sunday.

When things aren't going well players take one touch too many, they hesitate when they should shoot and simple moves that were routine before are forgotten.

As soon as they get a decent win then that confidence will come back and they'll start to climb the league.

Come May the top four will be the same as last season- but not necessarily in the same order.

I hope Bolton kick their asses.

Liverpool can win the one offs against even the best European sides, but they don't have what it takes to win the Premiership -- and Benitez does not appear willing or able to take them to the Promised Land.

I am quite enjoying there dismal start to the season, long may it continue

"It's all bottoms with you Americans" ( Basil Fawlty)

Especially Greek-Americans: all we think about are hind quarters.