Liverpool left to lick their wounds and wonder what might happen on Tuesday when they fall lost 1-0 in the Premier League against Leicester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s men all made it past Brenden Rodgers’ stubborn Foxes for the long haul of the game, but after a string of misses it looked like the hosts never really made it through. Finally, a beautiful run and finish from Ademola Lookman condemn the Red Devils’ failure and deliver City of Manchester a big boost in the title race.
Positive
The forward pressure was so complete and relentless that Leicester had to pull each rabbit out of the hat just to stay alive. The fuel tanks of Liverpool’s core players are there for all to see with their passing movements, in particular, keeping their opponents guessing with the four right-backs being particularly alert and sharp in the section. great time of the evening.
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Negative
Liverpool were really powerless to strangle Leicester on the flanks, and that was especially evident whenever the hosts broke in with neat one-two passes. Any ball at the top is a real problem and counter-attacks were constantly used against them as a way for Leicester to increase pressure – this was especially true after the first half.
Manager rating above 10
6 – The always vivacious Klopp could easily be criticized for not going back to plan B when Leicester were ahead, but in reality he chose a solid starting line-up based on what he had available and they controlled. controlled most of the game. Of course, some of his substitutions and their timing are in doubt, which is where he will likely attract some heat.
Player Rating (1-10; 10 = best, players referred after 70 minutes are not ranked)
GK Alisson, 6 – After being unable to do anything for most of the match, Alisson couldn’t stop the power of Lookman’s shot from past him in the near post.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 – Good tracking and always dangerous in the final third, but probably should have turned more on for Lookman’s aim.
DF Joel Matip, 5 – Showing poor concentration for the opener, it was a pity given how well he developed in the match with his accuracy and decision making.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 – Repeat 95% of the attacks that come his way in another screen showing why he is seen as one of the Premier LeagueThe best defenders.
DF Kostas Tsimikas, 6 – Need to be careful about losing his mark but overall, this was a really nice appearance on both ends of the pitch.
MF Jordan Henderson, 5 – Showed confidence going forward, played a role in winning the penalty, and hit multiple shots over the bar on an uneventful night.
MF Fabinho, 5 – While he may have done a good job of sweeping the loose ball and saving his energy, Fabinho was unable to match Leicester’s pace in the second half.
MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 5 – Not given as an option too often but have made a few good crosses that deserve a better end product.
FW Mohamed Salah, 4 — Aside from the physicality of the match consuming him, Salah saw a bad penalty saved with an equally disappointing recovery.
FW Diogo Jota, 6 – Having penetrated Leicester well, always hungry to win the ball back and provided Liverpool with some real offensive shots.
FW Sadio Mane, 4 — Passes and shots were repeatedly blocked when he missed a chance to score in the 55th minute.
Replacement
MF Naby Keita, 6 – Tried to calm things down a few times but ultimately failed to turn the tide in the midfield battle.
MF James Milner, 5 – Frequently caught on the ball and his introduction could be seen as one of Klopp’s more baffling decisions at King Power.
FW Roberto Firmino, N / R – No major contribution, further highlighting the weaknesses he has when coming on from the bench.
