Liverpool’s Draw at Newcastle: A Striker Crisis Looms
The latest episode of The Daily Red Podcast on Anfield Index, hosted by Dave Hendrick, dissected Liverpool’s frustrating 3-3 draw against Newcastle United. The match exposed glaring issues in midfield and attack, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the team’s resilience and striker situation.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
“Newcastle had struggled for goals this season,” Dave Hendrick remarked, yet they managed to put three past Liverpool, who boast “the best defensive record in the league.” He pointed out how Liverpool “got bullied in midfield” and allowed “laps of concentration” to lead to all three goals.
Isak’s opener for Newcastle was described as unstoppable: “It’s hit with such venom that it’s just not savable.” However, Hendrick argued that the real fault lay earlier: “We had the ball, the opportunity to slow the game down, and we gave it away.”
Liverpool’s defensive organisation failed to adjust when Isak got back onside for Newcastle’s second goal, leading to a clinical finish by Anthony Gordon. Hendrick criticised Joe Gomez, who “doesn’t seem to realise Isak has come back onside.” For the third goal, Hendrick did not hold back: “Kelleher has to claim that cross or flap it away. Leaving it is not an option.”
Strikers Under Fire
Hendrick’s criticism extended beyond defensive lapses. Liverpool’s frontline, especially Darwin Núñez, was the focus of intense scrutiny. “Darwin was absolutely dreadful last night,” Hendrick stated emphatically. Highlighting a missed sitter, he added, “It’s time to start learning or get the rabbit, because you gots to go.”
Hendrick suggested Núñez has regressed under Arne Slot’s management, who, unlike Klopp, involves the striker less in build-up play: “When he does, he makes a tit of it.” Not sparing Jota either, Hendrick argued, “The guy just can’t stay fit and takes an extraordinary amount of time to come back.”
The Bigger Crisis
The draw against Newcastle highlighted Liverpool’s need for a reliable number nine. “We’ve only got four league goals from the striker position. That’s the biggest problem in the attack,” Hendrick explained. With Mohammed Salah contributing heavily from the right and good but inconsistent output from the left, the lack of a clinical central striker is a glaring void.
Hendrick floated potential replacements, championing Victor Osimhen as a dream signing: “He’s a Harry Kane regen and a natural finisher.” He also suggested João Pedro from Brighton as a feasible alternative. “Liverpool need to address this crisis in January,” he emphasised, warning that failing to do so could hinder the team’s title ambitions.
Moving Forward
Despite the frustrations, Hendrick remains optimistic: “We’re still top of the league, even with these problems.” But he stressed the need for continuous improvement. Echoing Liverpool’s illustrious history, he concluded, “When you’re second, you’re nothing. The aim must always be to win more.”
The match was a wake-up call for Liverpool, exposing weaknesses that must be addressed if they are to maintain their league lead and compete on all fronts. Hendrick’s insights underscore a crucial moment for the club under Arne Slot’s leadership. As January looms, fans will be watching closely to see how the Reds respond.
