Liverpool’s grip on the Premier League title loosened again, as their fourth draw in six league games saw them slip behind Manchester City in the table with nine games left to play after another insipid performance saw them draw 0-0 with Everton at Goodison Park.
Klopp’s side controlled the first half, with the midfield selection of Fabinho, Wijnaldum and Henderson designed to do just that. But for all of the control, there was very little cutting edge, and when Liverpool did supply some decent play, the chances were frequently missed.
Henderson was the Reds’ brightest spark, playing some strong passes in behind, but it was his midfield partner Fabinho who slotted in Mo Salah for the game’s best chance. Salah took forever to get his shot away, and when he did, it was repelled by Jordan Pickford.
And that largely summed up Liverpool’s game. A strong run from Matip early in the second half found Salah in a good position, but this time the Egyptian took a very poor touch and allowed Michael Keane to snuff out his good chance.
Everton rallied, but Liverpool’s substitutes helped them in that regard, as Milner and Firmino entered the fray for Origi and Wijnaldum, and Liverpool completely lost control of the game. Despite that, they still created another great chance, as Van Dijk nodded down for Fabinho, who mis-controlled in the box and was tackled.
As the game wore on, Everton looked the more likely to score a winner, as Van Dijk turned in one of his best performances in a Liverpool shirt to harass and delay them. Trent Alexander-Arnold also did well to prevent Bernard turning in Richarlison’s cross from close range, but gave away a sloppy kick right outside his own box late on that had the Reds’ defence scrambling.
However, this was a game where Liverpool finished with a whimper, and at a crucial juncture in the title race, it simply wasn’t good enough. To see Adam Lallana replace Sadio Mané symbolised how badly things were going, and it was a frankly ludicrous sub that frustrated fans.
Overall, this was an appalling game for Jürgen Klopp. The same drab, flat midfield selection that cost Liverpool the initiative in the Champions League and two points at Old Trafford last weekend was back, and once again, in a game that was screaming out for an in-form Naby Keita, once again he was left on the bench. However, so was Xherdan Shaqiri, who at least offers more quality than Lallana. Moreover, whilst Wijnaldum was having a poor game, it was noticeable that the Reds were far worse when he was replaced by James Milner.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that once again, a large portion of the blame has to go to Liverpool’s leading scorer, Mo Salah, who missed two glorious openings to win the game for his team. Once again when the Reds desperately needed him to deliver, he struggled and his form is starting to become a concern.
Overall, this was another bad day at the office for the Reds, and these sorts of bad days are happening far too often. The title is far from lost, but it is now, for the first time in months, out of Liverpool’s hands, and they look the more likely to let it slip from here.
A much better showing is required next time out against Burnley.
Just waiting for all you trust in Klopp bull shiters to come in here so I can blast you.
We might keep on having faith on Klopp bt the
truth is the team will not achieve anything for as far as trophies and medals for the players are concerned..His tendency of not taking cup games seriously is costing the team and turning it just to an ordinary team…lm failing to understand what he is up for at LFC…He is not the type of coaches who are eager to put a trophy in the cabinet…wonder why he keeps on changing the team and why he abandoned his pressing game type to that costing formation of too many passes at the back,5 defensive midfilders and back passes from the wingbacks, Robertson being the chief culprit…he no longer overlapping as usual,instead he opts to back pass each time he gets the ball bt Klopp is doing nothing to stop that…the coach’s substitution timing has much to be desired,how on Earth can he substitute a striker like Mane with the likes of Lallana and expect to get a goal…leaving the likes of Shaqiri unused…Keita has had good games bt he is being kept on the bench,
Wat for…..lm beginning to lose faith in Klopp for he is now proving to be not a coach to take Liverpool to the next level…With him we will remain the same
I agree in large with Chakah. With Henderson in the team the midfield dynamic and momentum gors missing. He offers next to nothing going forward and as an added minus Wijnaldum always play poorly when Henderson is on. Ibtold my mates before the game we’re gonna drop points with Henderson on the pitch.
Also, our fullbacks are not good enough to win the title. Their passing and crossing is psthetic to watch and a big reason it’s so easy to defend agaikst us.
Klopp is fun and cool but he will never win anything of importance for this club. Maybe it’s time to reconsider.
I had said it before, Klopp is a fantastic coach but not a winning coach. LFC would win exactly zero trophies under him. Poor team selection, dubious tactics, poor substitution tactics, refusing to strengthen, you name it, he has got it. Be honest with ourselves, come May its not our name that is on the trophy. How can we that be, the coach has shown no desperation to win titles, how would the players show any desire then?
Salah shows he would play week in week out, i mean who else can replace him, what is his incentive to deliver his best? Same goes for Bobby.
We are too inconsistent to be champions, winnin 5-0 one day, drawing 0-0 the next game. City, United and Chelsea in the past they grind out results.
For Klopp, he is nothing but a loser, to him second and 4th is good enough. Thats is why he keeps playing Llana
Disappointed with the draw. It seems that the intent on winning trophies are weakening and instead are more focused on replacing Arsenal as the winner of the Top 4 trophy.