Actually unlike 2002 and 2009 I think we are being MUCH more smarter in our business.
We are making proper 'depth' signings that we desperately need. Once you add in all those midweek European matches with all that travel involved, our already thin squad will have an uphill battle to stay in the top 4. Especially now with United getting an experienced manager and finally signing a midfielder.
We won't immediately be able to replace Suarez, but we can shore up the defence and midfield.
When the time comes and a truly world class striker is available (like the summer Higuain, Cavani, Falcao etc were for sale), we can do it then.
With Gerrard, Henderson, Allen, Lucas, Can, Lallana, Coutinho who can all play in the midfield - albeit only Lucas, Can and Gerrard can play as the DM - moves for Khedira who will cost £25m plus doesn't make much sense.
Especially if we are going back to 4-3-3 and not 4-1-2-1-2 now that Suarez is off. So Sturridge will be our man in the middle.
So our moves for Lallana and Markovic then makes even more sense as they can play anywhere along that front three so we become more flexible.
From what I hear we WILL buy another striker. So it will be Sturridge, Lambert and whoever else.
We'll sign Lovren (probably) and a left back so Rodgers is looking to recruit in those areas. Whether you or I agree with those reinforcements is another matter. But we can't say he isn't looking at those areas as he is.
So I actually think we are being very smart in this transfer window.
I agree we're looking to add depth, which makes our readiness to let Agger, Skrtel and even Pepe go rather strange, and utterly bizarre if any of them leave on loan. Experience is priceless, and especially when those three players have not just European football experience but CL football experience.
I don't think, in fact I'm certain, none of us believe we can replace Suarez but what we can do is recreate the 'effect' by spreading the chance creation and goals across a greater number of players, but we can also reduce the need for goals by adapting our game in order to be stronger defensively. By the end of last season every team was willing to have a go (with the exception of Chelsea). Cardiff put three past us, Palace didn't look shell shocked at 3-0 down and once they got the first there was no way they were settling for or believing that it would simply be a consolation, so we have to eradicate the impression we can easily 'be got at'.
I think your point about buying a 'name' striker is a good one, but they are becoming fewer throughout football, and we already have a potentially great goalscorer in Sturridge. We need to have the supporting cast to see that he flourishes, but he can't play all the matches, chances are he won't stay fit all season and with England qualifiers coming thick and fast I think we missed a trick in not getting Remy, who would have been an excellent 'partner' and/or replacement when Sturridge needs a break or is injured.
I also think Firmino is worth considering.
One centre half who's so far gone under the radar is Ron Vlaar who only has a year left on his Villa contract. He's a solid PL defender and has always impressed me when I've seen him despite the dross around him at Villa, and has shown his quality for the Dutch this Summer too.
