As Boris Johnson lobbed the country into lockdown, it was Danny Ings’ lob which condemned Liverpool to more misery on their travels. The 1-0 loss to Southampton now makes it three games without a win, and a goal, for the Reds- the longest goal-less period since 2018 as the mentality monsters tag begins to show signs of fading.
The 7-0 win over Crystal Palace now seems an age away with Liverpool struggling for goals, form, and rhythm. The machine which looked falter-proof last season is beginning to wilt with new parts forced into it.
For some time, the injury crisis seemed to have little effect on the champions; Fabinho slotted in to replace Van Dijk; the academy stepped out of the shadows to perform, and Liverpool looked on course to retain their title.
Yet, predictably, the casualties are beginning to show their signs on Jurgen Klopp’s side who turned up at St Mary’s without a recognised centre-back in the first 11.
But, the issues did not come defensively. Instead, despite Thiago Alcantara making a return alongside the constant feature of the usually so deadly front three, it was in the final third where Liverpool lacked the ruthlessness needed to dispatch of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.
All of a sudden, from scoring seven against Crystal Palace a mere couple of weeks ago, this Liverpool side look incapable of finding the back of the net.
Liverpool Failing to Keep ‘Mentality Monsters’ Tag
A Night to Forget for Trent Alexander-Arnold
At fault for the winning goal in the second minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s night didn’t improve from there. The right-back went on to give the ball away 38 times- the most by a player in the Premier League this season– in 77 minutes before being hooked by Jurgen Klopp.
Usually, he is the central point to the Liverpool ‘mentality monsters’ fluidity, switching play, and driving Liverpool forward through his unique passing ability. Last night, however, the only thing unique about his passing was the aforementioned statistic.
And perhaps there lies the problem for Liverpool and their lack of goals. When their main creator is not creating, Jurgen Klopp’s side are left with little options when it comes to finding providers.
The Reds have been able to turn to Andy Robertson on many occasions this season to provide the final pass but must find this creativity through midfield.
Change of Predictable Approach Needed for Last Season’s Liverpool Mentality Monsters
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been world-class for three years, using the same ruthless system to demolish those in front of them. But, as teams improve around them, a change of approach is needed.
They have become predictable, and, in the process, lethargical. Teams know the threat comes from the fullbacks, and are shutting down those outlets and preventing Liverpool.
With Thiago Alcantara back in the side, his forward-thinking and press beating passing play should ensure added service to the Liverpool frontline. If it doesn’t, then the Reds’ place on the English throne could be taken just one season after regaining it as the Liverpool mentality monsters of last season.
Centre-Back Desperately Needed
If a centre-back pairing of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho doesn’t provide Jurgen Klopp with evidence that a centre-back is needed this month, then nothing will.
And, in all honesty, as previously mentioned, the defensive pairing didn’t do a bad job against Southampton; the problems lied elsewhere. But, it is not a case of what they lack defensively when forced to play the two midfielders at the back.
Instead, whilst the two take up the defensive positions, Liverpool lack the fight, desire and fluidity from the two in midfield. At least one central defender is needed this window if Liverpool want to retain their title.
The Reds must show signs of bouncing back in games once more. Perhaps the most worrying sight of all last night was the look of depletion within the Liverpool ranks as the final whistle approached- as if the defeat had already been confirmed.
That is not the Liverpool most grew to admire over the last three years; that is not the side labelled the mentality monsters who continue to press and probe no matter the circumstance.
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