On at least 4 occasions, we weren't.......

A stairway to Heaven and a Highway to Hell give some indication of expected traffic numbers

Back four played like strangers today, particularly in the second half.
Liverpool's finishing was clinical, but Palace players weren't marking or getting caught wrong side.
We do look more vulnerable defensively this season.
This may be partly attributable to the fact we are playing in a more attacking way.
I hope we don't go back to playing 10 behind the ball just based on this freak result though.
It's not that long ago that Villa beat Liverpool heavily so it's better to keep a sense of perspective.

Pardew would panic.
Pulis would panic.
Hodgson will hone the side.

A zimmer frame has four feet. soft to grip the ground. And slow moving.

our back 4 were incurring the commentator to sing the praises of Zaha and all the good work he does in defence.

And again, Guaita seemed a hero for how many shots he stopped.

so what is our crisis in defence ?

is it the fellas themselves or is it the failed manner of organising them ?

Eze Peasy at Anfield....

Dann has never fully recovered from the ACL injury a few years ago. He was never fast, but age and injuries have caught up with him big style.

He was also completely out muscled for the 2nd goal too, so all in all a terrible performance v Villa.

Cahill's hamstring is now a constant issue and he is 35. Tomkins is younger but again cumulative injuries have had an impact and his movement is also slow.

So 3 of out 6 centre backs are not fit for purpose.

Kelly is injured, Sakho is Sakho and so Koyuate appears 1st choice.

time has suddenly caught up with our central defenders and defensive midfielders - we looked spoilt for choice for centre halves not long ago, and apart from jairo we have no playmakers in deep midfield (Schlupp and Eze play up the pitch), only 'ratters': the two macs, luca and kouyate (I'm not counting Meyer as playmaker or even a player). PVA is irresponsible, Ward is only OK, Clyne is still on his way back and we bought an injured teenager as back up. We have taken our eye off the ball with certain positions, identifying strikers and wingers as the priority, the club do groom replacements from the youth and under 23s, Mitchell is still learning but he is solid with a great attitude, but I haven't heard of any young centres back knocking on the door. Big clear out needed in the summer - so much high salaried deadwood now at the club. Our defensive problems are usually rectified with Roy's 7-0-3 formation, but all that closing down seems to be tiring our old boys out.