Phil Thompson calls for more adaptability in Liverpool formation

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has called on Brendan Rodgers to be more flexible with his tactics following the club's last two defeats in the Premier League.

Rodgers had used a seemingly successful 3-4-2-1 formation during a 14-game unbeaten run, but the Reds have now lost two games in a row to Manchester United and Arsenal.

"The system is okay, but certain teams have sussed it out, and Brendan needs to be brave enough to switch to 4-4-1-1 – or whatever he thinks is best at that moment – to stop these games getting away from them," said Thompson, according to Sky Sports News.

"My biggest concern is that – after 15-20 minutes, if it's not working – it needs to be changed.

"As we seen in the Manchester United and Arsenal games, if you wait to half-time to change a system that is being exploited, then you're liable to fall behind before the break."

The Anfield club currently hold fifth spot in the top flight of English football.