Liverpool missed another opportunity to close the gap on a top four place, failing to take their chances and capitalise on a quality performance against rivals Manchester United. Instead, David de Gea saved the Red Devils, allowing them to get a smash and grab a 1-0 victory at Anfield.
Despite defending well and dominating the match, even creating multiple chances, the Reds continued to lack cutting edge up front. The combination of United’s world-class keeper, Liverpool’s inability to score, and set-piece shortcomings opened the possibility of a sucker punch, which came from none other than Wayne Rooney in the 78th minute.
It all made for a frustrating afternoon at Anfield. Even if Liverpool continue to show signs of improvement, there is a gulf in quality that cannot be closed quickly enough. Securing results remains a challenge for the Reds.
Here are four findings from the match.
Fitness a Factor
As much nonsense as there has been about Jurgen Klopp’s methods being responsible for Liverpool’s current injury crisis, this match again proved how critical fitness factors into the gaffer’s approach. This was another glimpse into the full-throttle football that can be expected of a Klopp side.
Liverpool dominated much of the match. They pressed systematically and counter-attacked aggressively, regularly beating United to the ball and moving it with greater pace. Still, precision lacked and patience in the box is wanting. Yet, the demanding level of industry Liverpool now pour into a match has markedly risen since the managerial change.
The work rate may not be paying the dividends just yet, but it is laying a foundation of what Liverpool can become. However, an improvement in quality endures at present.
Quality Counts
For all the claims of improvement to the depth of the squad in the last couple of years, Liverpool remain short on quality. A few key individuals make that much of a difference.
There are too many players on either side of their peak. The squad is heavy with youthful promise that has enormous potential but lack proven consistency and reliability.
Those players that are either in their peak years or past them are cagey substitutes at best, having lost the class of regular starters competing at the highest levels. It is an unfortunate recipe for inconsistency.
This match served as a stark reminder of Liverpool’s ongoing challenges. They must get better in both boxes before they can rise above the same problems that have plagued them for some time. As weak as this United team is and has been, they had De Gea on one end and Rooney on the other. They were the difference.
Main Man Missing
Forget the fact Daniel Sturridge is forever absent with injury. He cannot play regularly and cannot be relied upon to be Liverpool’s main man. Yet, the Reds have no viable alternative as a goal scoring threat.
Christian Benteke, regardless of price tag, is simply not the answer. He was a fine striker with Aston Villa. He does not fit within this team and actually only amplifies the Liverpool’s problems.
Roberto Firmino finally looks like showing he might just be a Liverpool player, but like his fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho, he would look better as a next best player.
Even in midfield, there are so few goals. The sum total of goals produced by James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, and Adam Lallana is three. That’s three goals in 65 appearances between them.
More distressing is the money that has been thrown at trying to address the problem. Over £130m has been spent primarily on attacking talent in the last two seasons, and those still on the payroll have not even supplied 20 league goals in that same time.
Klopp’s Chaos and Coolness
One thing that is emerging with greater clarity is that Jurgen Klopp needs players that can thrive in chaotic, wide-open play. As frustrating as this result was, Liverpool were at their best when playing with a bit of madness.
When Liverpool swarmed through zones with pace and numbers, they moved the ball with greater success and threat. This was especially true through the middle of the pitch. There was even a moment in the final third, before Henderson lashed one across the face of goal, where surging runs and single touches opened up a deep defence.
Yet the flip-side of Klopp’s full-throttle football is coolness and composure in the final third. For all the madness that fuels the pressing and furious breaks forward, precision and control must be exercised to get goals. The pace must prevail, but presence of mind amidst the pandemonium is required for the devastating best at the business end.
Right now, Klopp’s Liverpool provide neither consistently chaotic attacks nor cool finishing.