Liverpool lost more ground in the Premier League title race over the weekend following an enthralling 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Despite racing into a two-goal lead, the Reds were unable to keep their hosts at bay in a first-half that had everything.
Goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah saw a Pep Lijnders managed side hit the front before Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisiic hit back before the break.
Unhappy with once again being unable to retain an advantage, Liverpool supporters took to social media to criticise the display of captain Jordan Henderson – something Graeme Souness had already started on punditry duty.
Graeme Souness:
“Henderson and Milner were not at the races today. They were absolutely bullied. The midfield didn’t control anything.”
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) January 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/Bailey_90/status/1477709576304828423
I really love Jordan Henderson, but he really needs to up his game. At times he's nonexistent.
— Anfield Gold (@anfield_gold) January 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/Sammorris1__/status/1477707857587961856
https://twitter.com/TalkOfTheKop_/status/1477707136897630216
Make Jordan Henderson watch that kovacic performance for the next week
— Belinder (@_bubblxs) January 2, 2022
Henderson earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating for a performance containing 54 touches, two tackles and the loss of possession on 16 occasions.
So far this season the 31-year-old has scored three times and provided two assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Perhaps not the captain’s finest outing of the 417 as a Red, but certainly not one to become overly concerned about at this stage.
With important fixtures coming fast and Mane, Salah and Keita now unavailable, Liverpool are going to need Henderson firing on all cylinders – admittedly more so than this performance would suggest.
Harvey Elliott’s imminent return to fitness may see the experienced leader face further competition for a starting berth after the 18-year-old seemingly stole a march early season.
One thing is for sure is having overcome adversity numerous times during a prestigious Anfield career, the £16.2million valued man will be back and starring for Jurgen Klopp’s side once again.
