Caught between the two most important matches of Liverpool’s campaign, Jurgen Klopp sent a side filled with academy prospects into action at the Liberty Stadium to battle Swansea. The Reds found themselves overmatched by a home side that put together one of their best performances in a 3-1 win.
It was the youngest starting side Liverpool has fielded in the Premier League and it showed. Filled with errors and struggling to find any rhythm, the Reds made many other own problems.
Liverpool looked decidedly lacking in leadership and weak through the middle. The veterans that filled out the side failed to fill the leadership void, nor could they get themselves going, as their heads were undoubtedly elsewhere.
Unfortunately, Pedro Chirivella, in particular, will rue his league debut. Yet, others joined him in a less than stellar effort. None of the youngsters, barring Danny Ward, did much to suggest they deserved another start as the league winds down.
Even though Christian Benteke came off the bench to score, the Belgian continues to create more consternation than confidence. As big as the striker is he spent a considerable amount of time hopelessly falling at a touch in hopes of earning foul calls.
Daniel Sturridge also struggled. He had moments, little flashes of quality, that on another day might have paid dividends but this was clearly not a day he was going to boss things. Unlike the dynamic direction he offered against Bournemouth, no one else benefitted much from his help and he could not quite take the few chances that came his way.
Here are four findings from the match.
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