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.
