Deadline day disaster leaves Liverpool short of strikers

The transfer window slammed shut (it never closes quietly) last night and Kopites were left with a vast array of emotions. Some felt angry- at Rodgers, at Ayre, at Henry, at everyone. Others felt understandably disappointed. Most were simply left bewildered at a situation that leaves Liverpool desperately short of options where it counts the most; in front of goal.

When former Swansea striker Fabio Borini reunited with Brendan Rodgers and became the Reds' first signing of the summer midway through July, many were optimistic that a) the 21-year old Italian could be a future star and b) more experienced strikers were sure to follow. Now, however, the consensus is that the unproven Borini provides insufficient cover for Luis Suarez on his own.

With Academy graduate Adam Morgan and young German striker Samed Yesil the only other striking options Rodgers possesses, the decision to loan out £35 million man Andy Carroll to West Ham United seems increasingly bizarre and unwise.

Sure, Carroll obviously doesn't fit into the style of play that Rodgers wants to implement at Anfield. And, yes, playing for Sam Allardyce, whose tactics suit Carroll down to the ground, rather than sitting on the bench all season should ensure that his value doesn't diminish below £15-20 million when Liverpool finally decide to ship him out on a permanent basis.

However, failing to replace Carroll leaves Liverpool perilously short of options up front. If Suarez and Borini lose their form and fitness, or are suspended, then there is very little cover to tide the Reds over until their return. Moreover, his departure means the Reds lack a plan B in attack. Although long balls up to Carroll to utilise his height and aerial prowess represent an arguably unwelcome temptation to depart from Rodgers' playing philosophy, at the very least Carroll would have provided a viable alternative when chasing games in the closing stages.

With Kuyt, Bellamy and Maxi all also leaving for a pittance it really is difficult to see where the goals necessary to fire Liverpool into the top four are going to come from. Last season's measly return of 47 goals, which was less than relegated Blackburn Rovers managed, may not be bettered.

Losing out on signing Clint Dempsey to Tottenham Hotspur is particularly galling considering the Londoners also snared Gylfi Sigurdsson, who, like the former Fulham striker, seemed destined to join Liverpool. With a strike rate of one goal every two matches for the Cottagers last season and the ability to play in any position in a forward three, Dempsey may well have been an invaluable source of goals, as well as versatility, in attack.

For all the disappointment surrounding strikers, there are some positives to be taken from our transfer activity this summer. In particular, the centre of Liverpool's midfield looks much stronger. Even after the sale of Adam to Stoke City and Aquilani to Fiorentina, as well as the loan of Jay Spearing to Bolton Wanderers, the Reds have more than enough quality in the middle of the park.

Joe Allen has impressed in the early stages of the current campaign, emulating former fans' favourite Javier Mascherano as he sits in front of the back four. He may lack the Argentine's bite in the tackle, but his passing ability more than makes up for it. Nuri Sahin also looks a promising signing, even if he only stays for a season. His passing ability is noted and he can also chip in with a goal everyone so often. Lucas' thigh injury ruling him out for three months is incredibly disappointing, but the likes of Shelvey and Gerrard mean adequate cover is available for the Brazilian.

With little improvements needed to our back four- keeping Daniel Agger despite interest from Manchester City was sufficient to maintain a decent defence- Rodgers was looking to build up his midfield and attack in order to deploy his preferred 4-3-3 formation. It seems as if he succeeded in the former but failed in the latter. Similarly to Rafael Benitez, Rodgers has put together a squad containing a strong and stable defence and midfield but a lack of firepower up front might cost him dearly.

The question of who is to blame for failing to sign another striker is a difficult one to fully answer, as no fan has all the facts regarding what goes on in backroom meetings between the manager and the owners. Clearly Rodgers must accept some responsibility for following a flawed strategy of allowing Carroll to leave before a deal to sign a replacement had been completed. Waiting until the last minute to try and sign Dempsey after declaring his interest in the American much earlier on in the summer was also a foolish move.

However, FSG's stubborn refusal to pay an extra £1 million for Dempsey can also be criticised. When they took over from Hicks and Gillett they promised funding for new signings, so quibbling over £1 million seems extremely petty considering how urgently Liverpool needed back up in the striking department. Additional caution is natural and necessary after blowing £35 million on Andy Carroll only 18 months ago, but heading in the opposite direction and refusing to shell out an extra £1 million for a player who was a key part of the manager's transfer policy is not the answer. Prudence is all well and good, but the owners have also got to be willing to push the envelope occasionally if the players needed to obtain short and long term success are going to arrive at Anfield.

Consequently, the summer transfer window will understandably be remembered with regret. Two new strikers in January are an absolute must. Until then all we can do is back the team and pray that Suarez doesn't get injured.

YNWA