The noose is tightening round the neck of Brendan Rodgers. How long the Boston-based Fenway Sports Group, which owns Liverpool, will stay loyal to its manager remains to be seen, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to put up a valid argument that Rodgers can take Liverpool forward.

The problem for John W. Henry, the Liverpool owner, is that once the fans turn on a manager, it is a long road back — a journey that is rarely completed. In a recent poll 87 percent believed Rodgers should go.

Social media has become the new barometer for supporters' feelings while the boos than rang out at Anfield as Liverpool beat Carlisle United of League Two on penalties in the League Cup told their own story. The Liverpool fans were too embarrassed to celebrate victory.