The Anfield outfit scored six times against Newcastle in their first match without suspended Luis Suarez and the Reds manager is adamant his side can cope without the Uruguayan
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed accusations that his side are reliant on suspended striker Luis Suarez.
The Uruguay international has scored 23 goals in the Premier League this season, over twice as many as second top scorer Steven Gerrard, who has found the back of the net nine times.
But Rodgers has rejected the notion that Liverpool are a one-man team, citing the nine goals his side have scored in the two matches Suarez has missed this season and has backed them to continue that form against Everton.
“If you are the second-highest scorers away, it’s not really just one guy who is doing it,” Rodgers told reporters.
“That was proved last week, absolutely. Luis hasn’t played two games and we’ve scored nine goals away from home [in those two matches].
“It’s a bit unfair to say we were totally reliant on him, although Luis did his job really well, there’s no doubt.”
Rodgers also criticised the squad’s lack of depth up front for any perceived reliance on Suarez, with Andy Carroll loaned to West Ham, Fabio Borini suffering a string of injuries and Daniel Sturridge only recruited in January.
But with the former Chelsea striker finding form and linking well with January signing Philippe Coutinho, and with new arrivals expected in the summer, Rodgers is confident his side will challenge next season.
“[Suarez] has been the striker who has been fit, available and playing,” the Anfield boss continued.
“Maybe if I had depth to the group I would have had him on the bench in games, rested him and put others in.
“I didn’t have the luxury to do that, but now we have young Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho – and we’ll get more reinforcements in the summer.
“That will give us the depth in order for us to maintain the standard we are after. If we do that, and make a good start, we’ll be up there challenging – I have no doubt about that.”