Hodgson’s team in hot water

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson had to reluctantly accept his side is now in a relegation battle after Blackpool pulled off a stunning 2-1 win at Anfield on Sunday.

A Charlie Adam penalty and a brilliant finish from Luke Varney helped the Premier League's smallest and poorest club beat the most successful side in English soccer history.

The result leaves Liverpool with just six points from its opening seven matches and piles the pressure on Hodgson, who also oversaw the recent humiliating League Cup exit at the hands of lowly Northampton Town.