Smith: Reds had FA Cup warning

There's only one thing you can really say about Liverpool’s performance down at Reading at the weekend in the third round of the FA Cup, writes Tommy Smith in the Echo.

We got away with an off day - and survived.

I suppose that's more than Manchester United fans can say after being beaten at home by Leeds and maybe for that we should be grateful.

But after the joy of that last gasp victory at Aston Villa in the league last week, I really hoped we'd see the Reds shrug a team like Reading aside pretty convincingly.

Perhaps Liverpool were guilty of complacency but that can't be excused in the third round of the FA Cup. Or any other round for that matter.

Everyone knows sides from lower leagues treat these games as their cup finals when they draw one of the big guns. And credit to Reading, they performed above themselves.

But we were very poor, again lacking the energy and fire which you need to compete against any team, no matter what division they're in.

But we've got them back to Anfield and I'm sure it will be a different story next week.

A cup replay in midweek should make for a cracking atmosphere, with the chance for plenty of locally based fans to be there and get right behind the team the way they do on these occasions.

The prospect then of a home tie in the fourth round against a Burnley side which has just lost its manager - and which remember dumped us out at Turf Moor a few seasons ago - should be all the incentive Liverpool need to get going now.

This competition is there for us if we want it this season.

The lads have just got to show the desire and the fight to go and win it again for an eighth time. They've had a warning down at the Madejski Stadium.

Let's hope it's the last one they need.

BIGGEST GAME THIS SEASON

SUNDAY'S game against Tottenham is the biggest one of the season.

We've clawed our way back into the picture beating Villa - now we've got a fantastic chance to turn over another team which wants to keep us out of the Champions League frame next season.

For all our troubles I still believe we will do it and that we have more strength in our squad than Tottenham.

Yes, they've got dangerous players but at Anfield they'll see a different Liverpool than the one they beat earlier this season.

Torres is starting to look back to his best and that's a huge factor.

The most important thing for me though is that we keep the back door shut. Set pieces are a worry - we seem to concede from them so often nowadays.

I'd much prefer a return to a man to man marking system.

I know people say the zonal system can work and has worked in the past. But I just don't believe in it and right now it's not working for Liverpool.

So we should change it. When everyone picks up a man it's much simpler and straightforward in my book. And going back to basics might make a difference.

But whatever happens, this is a chance on Sunday that we really do have to take. I believe we will.

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