Help me improve my tactic (Very inconsistent results after one bad result)

I've been playing a save with my beloved Liverpool

Last year I only downloaded tactics, This year it seemed pointless to me, So I've strayed away from downloading tactics and I'm really determined to make my own tactics work.

This is what I came up with, This is also my first team I use in most games when able -



I went unbeaten in friendlies and only conceded 2 goals in 10 friendlies, I was pretty happy with that.

The season started really well with 8 wins from 10, With 2 losses coming against big opposition (Man City & Chelsea) . Which I expected -


I then came up against Arsenal in the Carling Cup, I wasn't too bothered about this game and I had an important game after so I let a few youngsters out, Bad mistake this turned out to be, I got thumped 4-2 and from then on my results have been extremely inconsistent, Conceding a lot more and players frequently making stupid mistakes -


It looks like this result has completely turned my season up side down, Key players are extremely under-performing. Take a look at Sturridge's statistics so far (Playing as an AF/P/CF, Tried everything) -


Luckily I have Lewandowski coming in on a free next season, So Sturridge will probably be sold.

I'm expected to finish in a continental spot, And I seriously feel I'm going to get sacked very soon.

Has anyone got any suggestions?
Thanks for your time!