With pressure mounting and a squad that looked ready for the fight, Liverpool needed to remedy their run of form and exact some revenge. The Reds travelled back to Leicester City and beat the Foxes, winning 3-2.
In a match that again featured the best and worst of Liverpool in both boxes, this time the Reds finished on top. These are the results more in line with expectations. Liverpool raced forward and rattled Leicester’s defence. Meanwhile, holding on at the back, they were not completely free from mistakes. Even Simon Mignolet got in on the act and ensured the win with another penalty save.
Through the ups and downs what can be stated with certainty is that this side is never boring. Against Leicester, Liverpool showed a resolve that had been missing.
The Reds were ready for a fight and dug each other out, despite being repeatedly put under pressure by Anthony Taylor’s ridiculous refereeing. It was a win that showed resilience when needed most.
Here are four findings from the match.
A magician’s moment
Having already opened proceedings with training ground service for Mohamed Salah’s goal, Philippe Coutinho grabbed the goal that he has desperately wanted since returning.
And what a goal it was. A fizzing, curling free kick, unstoppable until it was pulled from the back of the net, Coutinho officially announced his return.
It was the kind of moment that saw him operating with desperation against Burnley. It was the kind of moment that should see him kick on and relish the role where he can shine brightest in a side that shimmers with attacking talent.
Super sub Sturridge
For all the questions and concerns about Daniel Sturridge over the summer, the England striker has shown what value he still provides.
Injuries have been unkind to Sturridge but they cannot steal his class, which he still has in loads. His hold-up play was exceptional and his delivery to Jordan Henderson for the winner afforded the captain with time and space to spare.
Whether he would be willing to accept that he may no longer be the goto goal-getter anymore is down to him. Could he be content as a squad player was continually considered?
Yet, here he is, still a Red adjusting and contributing when opportunities arise. Two starts and three sub appearance have only led to a goal and an assist but he has been a model professional.
Captain’s comeback
There can be no real question that Jordan Henderson has had a difficult start to the season.
Before visiting Leicester, there may have been only one start where the captain looked like he might be ready to make the kinds of contributions that earned him the armband. He has looked slow, unfit, a shadow of his energetic, pressing best.
Yet against the Foxes, he seemed determined to lead Liverpool’s redemptive efforts after their midweek cup crash.
Henderson would not be ignored. This performance may have been his best yet. He offered more both at the back and going forward.
He routinely rowed with officials after no shortage of awful decisions. Most importantly, he got on the scoresheet with a fine finish to cap a quality contest.
Klopp’s coping
After the recent run of form, that featured a series of disappointments, the murmurs from cynical supporters officially started.
The notion that Jurgen Klopp’s time is up on Merseyside is beyond absurd. The manager is the marquee name above all others at the club, for better or worse. He is a world-class manager and the best one for Liverpool Football Club at the minute.
Still, Liverpool needed to more than to just avenge their League Cup loss.
Unsettling results seemed to highlight the weaknesses that the club and manager were unable to sufficiently strengthen. Shapes and tactics became increasingly targeted too. Yet, Klopp continued to cope and conduct the Reds through the difficult run to reclaim all three points.
Despite the distress, the wobble was more average than awful.