Jurgen Klopp ‘s Liverpool humbled
Klopp ’s arsenals may have lost firepower after embarrassing defeat at Brighton
Liverpool lost 3-0 on Saturday afternoon against a determined Brighton and Hove Albion side at the Amex, thanks to Solly March’s second half brace and a late goal by substitute Danny Welbeck to compound misery on the already faltering Reds.
Last season’s runners up looked short of confidence and belief from the start of the game, which was evident with their sloppy passing and looking nervous each time Brighton attacked their goal.
The host who are enjoying a solid season could count themselves unlucky not to score in the first half after a barrage of attempts at the Liverpool goal. Japanese winger Karou Mitoma’s pace and direct runs kept the Liverpool backline looking shaky and uncomfortable each time he dashed down the left flank leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold with little to no chance of stopping. This created several chances for Evan Ferguson and Solly March especially who prior to this game had scored only six goals in over 100 appearances for the Seagulls. Alexis MacAllister coming back into the side from winning the World Cup with Argentina slotted back into the double pivot role with Moisés Caicedo which provided both shield to the backline and also starting attacks which Liverpool struggled to cope with. Brighton’s midfield outrun-outmuscled and outperformed their opponents in all areas of the match.
Liverpool’s awful start continued in the second half when Solly March scored Brighton’s first, by latching on a pass after a mistake from Matip to slot the ball beneath Allison Becker. Shortly after, the host went 2-0 with March doubling his tally, this time after some good work in midfield between MacAllister and Ferguson.
Liverpool’s lack of belief and energy coupled with Klopp’s erroneous trust in certain under performing players look worrying. They’ve conceded first in more than half of their games this season and taking it back, they have conceded first in 21 of their last 35 games, which is alarming. It’s quite surprising to remember that this is the same side that was hunting down the quadruple during the ending weeks of last season. This afternoon’s 3-0 loss means that Liverpool have shipped in 25 goals in the premier league alone this season. The Reds let in only 26 goals throughout the whole of last campaign in the top flight.
Injuries to certain key players haven’t helped their cause. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota’s prolonged spell on the sidelines with serious injuries evidently have taken creativity and goals away from the side. Firmino started the season in very good form scoring 8 goals before injury dealt his excellent campaign a real blow, whilst summer signing Darwin Núnez who after a horrid start to life in Merseyside also picking up an injury just when he looked like he was settling in and playing well. Virgil Van Dijk is the latest big name to join the tall list of injured players. Statistically, the Reds team look different with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota in it.
Liverpool’s midfield probably is the department with major concern. The usual midfield trio of skipper Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago have no Premier League goals between them. They looked short of legs and have largely struggled to cope against opponents this season.
Lying in 8th with 28 points after 18 games, Top 4 seem to be moving glaringly far away from the Reds going by their numbers this term. Klopp has admitted that his team may be suffering from both mental and physical fatigue after their almost perfect exertion last season chasing the quadruple. The fans, despite their unwavering support get gripped in periods of tremendous uncertainty when they attend games.
