1. DID LIVERPOOL'S POOR RUN START WITH RAFA BENITEZ'S RANT AT 'MR FERGUSON'?
Before Rafael Benitez launched his attack at Alex Ferguson's influence over referees, Liverpool were flying. They had not lost since November and, at Christmas, produced their two best displays of the season, beating Bolton 3-0 at home and Newcastle 5-1 at St James' Park.
Then the tirade, ahead of Liverpool's game at Stoke and Chelsea visiting Old Trafford. The timing suggests the real target of Benitez's mind games was referee Steve Bennett, not Ferguson, as the Spaniard looked to give Chelsea, the lesser threat, an advantage. Whatever the plan, it backfired -- United crushed Chelsea and Liverpool drew at Stoke.
Benitez's tirade is in the distant past in Premier League terms, so it's unlikely to be affecting the players now. But that weekend was psychologically a blow, as Liverpool ceded control of the title race to United. They have been nervy since.
2. IS THE POWER STRUGGLE IN THE BOARDROOM TO BLAME?
Liverpool's troubles with their American owners began as soon as Benitez asked for transfer funds in the aftermath of the 2007 Champions League final and have been bubbling under ever since.
Whatever managers claim, players know what is going on at their club. They will be aware that the owners are looking to sell and that the boardroom is split into two factions. But to say that is affecting their performances is to question their professionalism, not to mention provide a convenient excuse. When Liverpool forgot to mark Tim Cahill twice in a week, it was not because Martin Skrtel was thinking about the planned new stadium at Stanley Park.
3. IS IT STEVEN GERRARD'S COURT CASE? ARE HE AND FERNANDO TORRES TIRED?
The captain was quiet against Wigan but in cracking form in both derbies.
His legal troubles, and the endless taunts from opposition fans, seem to have inspired him. He shows no signs of being tired, but Benitez withdrew him on Wednesday to save him for Chelsea. Torres, on the other hand, has played three times in nine days after two months out, and looks exhausted.
4. WHAT ABOUT THE DELAYS IN BENITEZ'S NEW CONTRACT?
He is contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2010 and has agreed personal terms on an extension to tie him to Anfield until 2013. The sticking point is over who controls player valuations and the transfer budget.
Benitez, who left Valencia in similar circumstances, is unlikely to budge and he has shown in the past that his bond with the fans is enough of a bargaining chip to get him, more or less, what he wants. Such a denouement is likely again now. The players will not want to lose him and several would consider their futures should he leave, but such things are in the future. The Spaniard's methods are based, essentially, on rote learning of set routines. There is no reason to believe he has suddenly abandoned them because he is arguing with chief executive Rick Perry.
5. BUT WHY CAN'T LIVERPOOL KILL TEAMS OFF?
The problem may be inherent in Benitez's system, as well as the players at his disposal. Liverpool's defenders, Sami Hypia apart, are all low scorers, even for their position. Javier Mascherano barely ever scores and Xabi Alonso manages no more than a handful each season. Their threat is reduced further by how deep they play.
Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Reira chip in occasionally, while Dirk Kuyt tends to reserve his goals for the Champions League. That leaves just Torres and Gerrard, which means Liverpool are all too easy to shut down.
There is, of course, one more proven goalscorer, but Robbie Keane's chances are few and far between and he looks chronically short of confidence.
6. THE KEANE SITUATION CAN'T BE HELPING, CAN IT?
Benitez insists he has not given up on the £20m signing from Tottenham, but it is hard to see a future at Anfield for him. If Gerrard and Torres are fit, they start. Playing Keane as well means changing the system around.
Keane was brought in to play in a 4-3-3 that was dependent on Gareth Barry's signing. The Aston Villa midfielder did not come, so the formation was abandoned, leaving Keane in limbo. If Benitez receives a suitable offer, he may yet cash in and bring in a replacement to boost his attacking options.
7. SO ARE THEY OUT OF IT?
Rory Smith, Daily Telegraph
