12 reasons to remain upbeat about Liverpool’s start to the season.

With the stench of defeat lingering in the air thanks to the international break, Liverpool fans have had a prolonged amount of time to remain rightfully bitter over a dismal defeat and a now seemingly fortunate set of wins.

Yet, allowing for England to beat the 193^rd best team in the world could actually become a blessing giving a chance for the Anfield faithful to cool down and assess the damages.

So, put out the fire from your Lovren shirt (do people own these?), re-glue the swear jar and replenish the fridge with all the drinks you drank after that 3-0 loss, because with glasses firmly half full, here are some reasons why Liverpool’s new campaign might not be doomed after all.

1. The actual points on the board.

Before the defeat against West Ham, 7 points from 9 would certainly have been sufficient for a new squad such as Liverpool’s, especially when taking into account an away fixture against Arsenal.

Although, 7 points from 12 is certainly not ideal, Liverpool remain in 7^th place, just two points from 2^nd. If we are to assume that of the teams above Liverpool: Crystal Palace, Leicester and Swansea are not direct rivals for a Champions League spot, then this becomes a much more encouraging statistic. Manchester United and Arsenal are both level on points with Liverpool, while Tottenham haven’t even picked up a win in their first 4 games. Moreover, Chelsea’s 4 points is something we can all revel in for now.

If we are also to extrapolate Liverpool’s average points from these questionable first 4 games then, in all Liverpool would finish with 66 points – just 4 points off what is usually guaranteed to be a Champions league spot, hardly disastrous form.

Though we would expect Liverpool to drop points against Arsenal and not West Ham, the result is the same. Ultimately, we are just over 10% into the season with Liverpool comparatively one point better off then last season. And, although Liverpool haven’t picked up enough points so far, we have not been left struggling behind our rivals just yet.

2. Defeats illuminate weaknesses.

If we are to remain as level-headed as possible then defeat against West Ham surely makes Liverpool’s defensive and creative weaknesses self-evident. If Rodgers once believed that performances against Stoke and Bournemouth were good enough to merit taking all 6 points, then perhaps now these have been revealed as false wins.

In attacking terms Coutinho’s dismissal forces a rethink of Liverpool’s creative set-up that may encourage Liverpool to play with more natural width, something that was severely lacking against West Ham. While no one would wish the Brazilian to miss the game against United, this could suit Benteke better, with more aerial service coming from the flanks.

Rodgers must also be forced to take Lovren out of the firing line once more, after what was a painful viewing, and reinstate Sakho into central defence. And, failing the success of this, Liverpool fans and critics will at least be disproved in the notion that the Frenchman is languishing on the touchline for no good reason.

3. Christian Benteke’s introduction.

Benteke was certainly starved of service against West Ham, but the striker has done enough to prove he is more than just a one-trick pony in the opening couple of games.

As the Belgian coach Michel Bruyninckx stated,

“For many years, people tried to convince Christian he was only a physical player, but, through his mental power, he has changed all that”

“When you watch him in the national team, you can see that, technically, he is skilled, he is creative, he is intelligent”

“I fully believe that, through Liverpool, he will go to a higher level again”.

Benteke has clearly exhibited an ability to change his playing style, a particular highlight being some rather impressive flicks and backheels – with our very own Rory Greenfield revealing his pleasure at being proved wrong by the forward’s intuitive play. And, with a matchup against bitter rivals Manchester United approaching fast what could be a better time to fully justify his price-tag?

4. Brendan Rodgers’ typically poor starts.

Although Liverpool picked up 12 points in their first 5 games in the 2013/14 season, it is clear Brendan’s teams require time to settle in to the difficulties of the Premier League. In the 2011/12 season Liverpool picked up 10 points, while in 2012/13 Liverpool picked up just 2 points.

In either of these three seasons relative good form was clearly found elsewhere, and although this is hardly something to cheer about, it is certainly something to consider, especially when taking into account the introduction of at least four new starting players featuring in each of our opening matches.

5. The return of Daniel Sturridge.

If Daniel Sturridge’s instagram clips highlighting his return to training doesn’t excite you in the slightest, then I fear this season may be a lost cause for some. Even if Sturridge doesn’t return as the messiah-like player many would hope, let’s not forget we have a player who scored 21 goals in 29 appearances in the 2013/14 season, and still contributed 4 goals whilst remaining injured for the vast majority of the last campaign. And, while Sturridge may not be fit for the game against United, he could provide the firepower and creative link we have been missing in recent weeks.

6. The January transfer window.

Although many fans called out for the signing of more players, including a natural defensive midfielder, clearly Brendan Rodgers was not interested in adding depth to a squad that is likely to compete in four major competitions for a substantial period of time.

However, the January transfer window may provide the solution to the concerns of some fans who believe that FSG have simply not invested enough in key positions. Taking into account that Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Mamadou Sakho were all signed in the winter period to strengthen the team, this certainly means that the potential for spending is there if Liverpool continue to struggle with the personnel on hand.

7. Panic buying.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Liverpool thankfully avoided panic buys in the summer transfer window, unlike many of their other competitors in the league. Although, signings would have been welcomed with open arms, its certainly admirable that the club refused to sign players just for the sake of it. And, the fact that all signings were completed by the 22^nd of July, over a month before the deadline certainly suggests Brendan and FSG are confident that their purchases will come good.

8. Joao Teixiera’s chance to break into the first team.

Although fans will rightly bemoan the loaning out of Lazar Markovic to and Tiago illori amongst many other youngsters, one starlet who did make the cut for Rodgers is Joao Teixiera. After an impressive season at Brighton, including being awarded the Young Player of the Year award Teixiera looks to have remained in the squad after just making one performance against Fulham over two years ago.

Even as a player once hailed as “the new Deco” Teixera will have to perform exceptionally in training to feature in the league, while a FA Cup or League Cup feature seems more likely. However, a solid preseason including two excellent assists against the Thailand All Stars might be enough for the exciting Portuguese youth international to kick on.

9. Danny Ings and Jordan Rossiter waiting in the wings.

Just about the best thing players on the periphery of the first team can do to impress fans is to bide their time while showing their intense desire to feature more regularly, which both have duly expressed.

Danny Ings was given the thankless task of replacing Roberto Firmino in the second half of a game Liverpool would simply not be able to recover. However, Ings’ enthusiasm, if nothing else, showed his worthy desire to fight for lost causes, and he will certainly look to feature more regularly should Benteke be united with a partner, or if the Belgium fails to maintain his form.

Jordan Rossiter’s delight was clear for all to see after coming on for Lucas Leiva in the latter stages of the game against Arsenal. At the most Rossiter could help invigorate a tired midfield, and in the least he will certainly pressure a midfield unit that has recently failed in its defensive and offensive capacities.

10. Nathaniel Clyne and individual performances.

Have the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Emre Can or Simon Mignolet really played all that badly? Arguably not, and although Liverpool’s unity has to be questioned, individual performers cannot be truly criticised when many appear to simply lack direction or guidance.

Joe Gomez for the most part has been a surprise success and although largely found out in our last match, looks confident enough to bounce back. Roberto Firmino in spots has also looked sharp, and was just inches away from grabbing his first Liverpool goal.

Certainly some individual performances like Clyne’s have been more than commendable against the likes of Bournemouth, and given time to gel and perhaps more tactical nous from the manager, this new team could find true form if successfully united.

11. The international break itself.

Although no fan in their right mind truly savours the prospect of the international break, this time away could give the players a psychological benefit.

After the criticism heaped upon the majority of the players against West Ham, it may do the team some benefit to be taken away from the club spotlight. Given time to think on and analyse their recent performances, many will realise that it is simply not good enough, giving added impetus (if that was needed) to better contribute in the coming matches.

12. Brendan Rodgers’ position at the club.

Finally, no fan who values their club would rather see Liverpool lose than win in order to facilitate change. However, if recent performances indicate anything, its that Brendan’s position is under severe pressure.

The availability of a certain German manager looking for a “good project” is sure to ramp up the pressure on Rodgers, and after witnessing a pathetic 3-0 defeat, just about the most cynical upshot of Liverpool’s recent deterioration in form could be the potential initiation of a new leader for the football club.