On the back of a hard-fought draw with Chelsea in midweek, Liverpool travelled to Hull City in search of their first league win of 2017 but things simply went from bad to worse.
Another loss to a bottom of the league side means that Liverpool, once in a title race, are now up against it in terms of Champions League qualification.
Despite having all of the ball, the Reds shot themselves in the foot once again.
Simon Mignolet’s error dropped the ball at Alfred N’Diaye’s feet and he couldn’t miss.
Liverpool tried and tried in the second half but couldn’t get a goal back, despite a few half chances and they were hit with a sucker punch when a long ball forward took Liverpool’s centre backs out of the game. Oumar Niasse ran on to it and finished with ease to end the game as a contest.
Here are my Liverpool player ratings from the game:
Simon Mignolet - 4
Another howler from the Belgian, dropping the ball at the feet of N’Diaye’s feet. He did make one decent save at the feet of Abel Hernandez a bit later, but then was nutmegged by Niasse for the second.
Nathaniel Clyne - 5
Had no defending to do. Willing to get forward but his inability to beat a man doesn’t help him at all. It’s either a pass or cross every time.
Joel Matip - 5
Got caught out of position a fair bit. Not been great since his return to the side.
Lucas - 3
Played at centre back due to injuries to Lovren and Klavan. Didn’t have a lot to do, but wasn’t great when called upon. His positioning was terrible and his lack of pace is a huge problem. Shouldn’t play over Joe Gomez.
James Milner - 5
Got into attacking positions a lot but didn’t really threaten, bar one cross shot that was cleared.
Jordan Henderson - 6
His passing was good, constantly switching play and probing.
Emre Can - 3
Didn’t offer anything at all. Unless it’s fitness related, him starting over Wijnaldum is baffling to me.
Adam Lallana - 6
Looked lively and found some good space on the left but again, was not really too threatening.
Philippe Coutinho - 3
One of his worst games for the club. His touch, passing and shooting were miles off.
Sadio Mane - 7
Liverpool’s best player on the day. Had the beating of his man and was unlucky with a header.
Roberto Firmino - 5
Played in the centre but still not great. Never really looked like scoring.
(Sub) Daniel Sturridge - 4
Came on. Did hardly anything other than a snap shot.
Divock Origi and Alberto Moreno came on late but didn’t really have time to do anything.