NOT even the usual sanctuary of Europe can now offer Roy Hodgson an escape route from his ongoing troubles at Liverpool.

The problems that have afflicted the Anfield outfit domestically this season were transferred to the Continent last night as Hodgson’s side slugged out a grim, grim goalless draw at Utrecht in their Europa League group clash.

Five consecutive victories in the competition had partially papered over the cracks that appeared with a slow start to the Premier League campaign and were further exposed by last week’s Carling Cup humiliation against Northampton Town.

Not anymore. For those travelling supporters who trudged away from the Stade Galgenwaard, a disjointed, disappointing and dishevelled Liverpool performance was painfully apparent.

Enterprise, entertainment and initiative. All were conspicuous by their absence.

It’s alarming to consider that, with the exception of absent duo Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger, this was arguably Liverpool’s strongest line-up.

This was not good enough. Nowhere near good enough. And not the required response to Saturday’s unconvincing home draw against Sunderland.

Perhaps more should not have been expected from a fixture pitting 12th in the Dutch league against 16th in the Premier League. Passes were overhit, the ball bounced out of play at regular intervals and supporters behind the stands were in more danger of being hit by attempted shots than the back of the net.

The Europa League has been used mainly as a chance for Hodgson to cast his eye over fringe and reserve players, but Carling Cup capitulation has put an end to that experiment, and the most notable inclusion last night was that of Fernando Torres