MARK LAWRENSON: Big fortnight ahead for Liverpool FC

Aug 18 2009 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

I SENSE a big two weeks coming up for Liverpool – even at this early stage of the campaign.

Because if Rafael Benitez doesn’t manage to add at least one more attacking option to his squad, then I fear they won’t be potent enough to launch another tilt at the title.

And that would be a massive missed opportunity when you look at their top four rivals.

it’s clear from the opening day line-ups that neither Arsenal nor Chelsea have significantly strengthened. And while Manchester United have brought players in, I think Sunday’s game showed that losing Cristiano Ronaldo is only going to make you weaker, no matter who you bring in to replace him.

So for Liverpool to look as poor as they did at Tottenham was a real shame.

I don’t usually read too much into the opening day because you’ve had a whole summer without any competitive football then suddenly that one game gets magnified.

But in Liverpool’s case, I fear the defeat at White Hart Lane could act as a microcosm for the coming season if they can’t make any additions before the end of the transfer window.

First of all, I’ve got to make reference to the situation I suspected would arise when Xabi Alonso was sold and have been banging on about ever since.

It’s not just Alonso as a player that you miss, it’s what he did for Steven Gerrard.