Why always me ? Ba-lamed!

Mario Balotelli

Are fans angry at the shirt swapping or the fact the score line was 3-0 and Mario swapped shirt having contributed next to nothing or both. It reminds me of how incensed Arsenal fans were about Andre Santos swapping shirts with Robin van Persie in 2012, a game Arsenal went on to lose 2-1. Was Balotelli so out of touch with reality he just acted without thinking? Last season Rodgers wasn't too happy after Sakho did the same against Chelsea.

Lay off off Balotelli! Its tough enough to fill the huge boots left by Luis Suarez. Give him time to grow in them at least. The Italian international has played less than a dozen games for Liverpool and the level of criticism coming his way is massive.  A slow start has seen former players, fans and even Brendan Rodgers criticize the Center Forward. Add to the 3-0 dismantling Liverpool got from the European champions Balotelli stole the headlines over the swapping of shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe who instigated the transaction. A day later its still rumbling and even the police have come in inquiring about verbal abuse the former Manchester City player may have directed towards a woman. The question really is, is he to blame for their dismal start to the season? Does he warrant all the criticism? Yes and No.

As a matter of fact had Balotelli scored a sitter against Everton, with the score at 1-0 the three points would have been secured; against QPR Balotelli was again his own worst enemy as with the goal mouth begging for a tap in he skied the ball to row Z; against Real Madrid in the first minute,with Sterling tearing away on the left; a pinpoint pass could have seen Sterling one-on-one with Iker Casillas and a goal on the cards. Completely different game. Performances that could have offered him some respite. The controversial forward is lacklustre, and his failure to put more effort in defence has left fans and even his teammates frustrated. He is quickly turning into a lone figure that is taking a while to adapt. The irony that at Liverpool "You'll never walk alone", Mario may soon be.

But not everything is Balotelli's fault. The sale of Suarez has left a grand canyon in their attack, the loss of Sturridge to injury their talisman has also been a huge blow. To solemnly rely on Raheem Sterling despite the talent of the young English star is not realistic at present. Rodgers has to take some of the blame for failing to properly invest the Luis Suarez transfer fee and making a panic buy on the tail end of deadline day. Even rejected Loic Remy already has two goals in limited appearances.  Had he signed a marque striker and Balotelli there wouldn't be that much of a fuss. You simply can not replace Suarez who despite missing ten games was one of the top European goal scorers; with Ricky Lambert, Divock Origi, Fabio Borini and Mario balotelli. It could be a better option to have Origi at the club by January.

Their defense is woeful. You take two from hapless Queens Park Rangers be prepared for an onslaught against an attack featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez. They lack organization, courage, and fluidity at the back with Skrtel and Lovren on different planets and don't even mention Glen Johnson. Their defending is as bad as last season. The problem? They don't outscore opponents anymore with the dissolution of the formidable SAS. Their problems are far deeper than what the eye sees and Mario Balotelli has added to them. In fact he seems to be the easiest scapegoat. The real issue is the striker's past has gained him more enemies than fans and the atmosphere feels right to hunt him down. He casts a don't care attitude when it goes sour and this does more harm than good.  Don't just blame Balotelli, he has a marginal contribution to the poor start to the season and the hole the Merseysiders find themselves in!!