With a flurry of matches in the first couple weeks of the new season, Jurgen Klopp made some lineup changes to test his squad depth early. The results were mixed early but ultimately saw the Reds win 1-0 over Crystal Palace at Anfield.
The book has long been written on how to play Klopp’s Liverpool, especially at Anfield. Drop deep, remain patient, take chances on the counter, and look for set piece opportunities. Yet, Klopp and the Reds continue working to add their own new chapter, finding ways get results in spite of how opponents setup.
While Crystal Palace have generally been a bit of a bogey team for Liverpool in recent years, they were more than willing to let the home side have possession only to blunt any penetration with plenty of bodies. It was not for lack of effort that Liverpool found themselves struggling to score. Dominating from the start, they Reds just seemed to lack that extra bit of needed quality, failing to find the final pass.
As result, frustration loomed over a home opener with all the hallmarks of a smash-and-grab fall or another draw. Eventually Liverpool broke through and took all three points for their first league victory. In an opening period that has grown more complicated than anticipated, it was a positive result.
Here are four findings from the match.
Sorting Solutions
Hoffenheim’s midweek visit to Anfield followed by Arsenal’s at the weekend present the Reds with critical challenges before the first international break. Already thick and fast, these matches make for a mini season before the transfer window closes and Liverpool’s campaign can properly take shape.
The new look side that faced Palace previews a glimpse at the depth of squad that will be required to mount a challenge in all or any competitions. Against the Eagles, Liverpool benefitted from patience and a bit of luck. Yet, despite the changes there were still passengers which the Reds can ill afford to carry.
Players will return and more sorting will be required. So far, Liverpool have achieved admirable results but there is still clearly so much to do. The side has yet to look completely balanced or synchronized in their two wins and a draw. With a true starting eleven, Liverpool should strike terror in any opponents. Without, things look considerably more tenuous and involve a bit more grit and guile than Liverpool has shown in recent years.
Plenty of positives are present as are some puzzling problems. It is already shaping up to be a season where coaching and management provide the most pivotal factors. Regardless of how these next two weeks go, this may prove one of the most challenging campaigns in Klopp’s career.
Finding Full-backs
Certainly in the first half Liverpool’s new left-back shined brighter than any other Red. Andy Robertson ticked all the boxes required of a proper fullback. Solid defensively, always an outlet, and excellent going forward.
The Scot lashed in multiple excellent crosses, creating the best chances of the opening half. Three chances, in fact, the most by a single player in a match yet. Even in the second half, he offered excellent support and helped make the left side the strength of Liverpool’s attack. Not a bad debut.
It should be mentioned Robertson’s counterpart, Joe Gomez, on the right put in an admirable shift as well. It may only be one match, but the blooding of the new defender may prove a more decisive summer signing than initially envisioned.
James Milner performed admirably but a long term left-footed left back solution was a must. Liverpool may have one ready.
Ponderous Possession
Crystal Palace may have been happy let Liverpool have the ball, with the Reds nearing or exceeding 70% possession most of the match, but there were shades of past problems in view. The difference between possession without penetration and patient passing blurred for stretches in this match.
Liverpool look definitively light in midfield. Adam Lallana’s injury highlights this fact, regardless how Philippe Coutinho’s tantrum turns out. There may be not shortage of graft but the middle of the park is where the side looks the most dull and disjointed.
Although he played reasonably well, James Milner’s return to midfield lacks any long term viability. For whatever reason, Gini Wijnaldum is hopelessly out of sorts, at the minute, struggling through the worst form since joining the Reds. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson played marginally better but presents significant concerns for the future.
With two weeks left in the transfer window, Liverpool need to grind out results in hopes of reenforcing their midfield. It is likely to be a very testing period that could complicate a critical season for Klopp.
Sadio Strikes
For all the talk surrounding Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool’s best player may actually be Sadio Mané. His absence last season hit harder than either of spells the Brazilian has missed this calendar year. Plus, with six goals in his las eight Premier League games, the Senegalese striker has emerged as Liverpool’s main man.
He may have started on the right side, with Mo Salah getting an early rest, but it was once he moved back to his new left side locale where he would begin to truly torment Palace’s defense. The switch helped leverage Robertson’s impressive debut and turn the screw on the visitors.
In the end, it was Mané who pounced on a ball in the box and finished off a move that may not have been the cleanest but definitely was the most opportunistic. It saved Liverpool some blushes and underlines just how important Mané has grown to the club.