Fowler: Pool need to improve everywhere

Liverpool's ultimate dream is in danger of being tossed and blown again and, reluctantly, Juergen Klopp may have to go back to the drawing board.

His missive faces a real threat of being reversed just 14 months since its original decree.

The German, 48, made disciples out of Anfield's long-standing cynics, but the process is threatening to come full circle as quickly as the initial transformation took effect.

EPL titles may not be won in November and December, but capitulations during that time can, and have, ultimately cost the Reds the chance of lifting the one trophy they crave.

Parallels with Newcastle United's "entertainers" that ran Manchester United close two decades ago are proving impossible to shake on the back of last weekend's incredible 4-3 defeat by Bournemouth.

TOO FAMILIAR

A 15-game unbeaten run was ended by their own capitulating hand than it was their hosts' gumption. It has been an all-too-familiar tale in the annals of Liverpool's recent history.

Whenever glory beckons and opportunity presents, they have continually failed to step up.

Even in the 2008/2009 season, when a club-record 86-point haul would have ordinarily secured the title, an inability to break down sides like West Ham, their opponents on Monday morning (Singapore time), gifted United the impetus in a battle of wills which saw the Red Devils win the title by a four-point margin.

Retired Pool striker Robbie Fowler acknowledges that his former club face a familiar predicament, but also sees signs for continued optimism.

"I think they (still) need to improve everywhere," the Reds legend told The New Paper in an interview.

"I don't think you can go into a season and think you're the best team anywhere. You're always trying to strive and be better.

"At the start of the season, no one really knew how we were going to play, but I think we've played very well. I think everyone, the fans, would be happy with the way it's gone.

FANTASTIC

"It was a bad result last weekend, but we are where we are on merit. Bar a few poor results, a few poor games, I think Liverpool have been fantastic to watch this year."

The visit of West Ham on Monday morning will not only test the resolve of Anfield's currently unbroken fortress, but also their continued ability to excel in the absence of Philippe Coutinho.

Potentially another five weeks without the mercurial Brazilian lie ahead.

Yet, his loss has been far less felt with compatriot Roberto Firmino leading the line, flanked by a strong supporting cast.

Even Daniel Sturridge, when fit, struggles to stake a claim when stacked against a rebooted Divock Origi, who has now unlocked three different defences in as many games, and the energy of Sadio Mane.

It is a far cry from the individual over-reliance of recent times.

OVER-RELIANCE

"I think the other year, we were probably been relying a little bit too much on Luis Suarez and then (after that) Daniel Sturridge," said Fowler.

"Nowadays, I think we've got an embarrassment of riches up front where if you're not playing well, there're other players who are going to come in and can do equally as good a job.

"That keeps everybody on their toes. Everyone can see the movement, the guile and the class of the front four lads.

"Unfortunately, (Adam) Lallana took a few knocks and missed a few games but, I think going forward, we are tremendous."