Liverpool analysis: Nervy Anfield making it difficult for Reds as defensive lapses continue to creep in

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David Lynch30 January 2019

Manchester City’s shock defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday meant Liverpool could actually afford to slip up against Leicester City 24 hours later.

But that didn’t stop the game at Anfield feeling something like a cup final, where an all-but-decisive seven-point lead was on offer.

Unfortunately for the Reds, they extended their poor record in such showpieces here, dropping points courtesy of a curate’s egg of a performance that couldn’t be blamed solely on an icy pitch.

The things that Jurgen Klopp’s side got away with in defeat Crystal Palace 4-3 over a week ago were punished by an impressive Leicester, whose big-game record is understandable given the quality they possess.

Liverpool miss chance to move seven points clear.
Getty Images

And so supporters were left justifiably disappointed with a five-point lead at the summit of the English top-flight that leaves the door slightly ajar for Pep Guardiola’s champions.

David Lynch was at Anfield to provide analysis for Standard Sport.

Alisson not afraid to keep on playing

After gifting Leicester a goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium earlier this season, Alisson Becker promised he’d learned his lesson.

But there was scant evidence of that as the Reds faced the Foxes for the second time in 2018-19.

The Brazilian came perilously close to repeating his error in the first half as a closed down clearance presented the visitors with the opportunity to set up James Maddison for a chance he really should have scored.

Alisson has been fortunate enough to get away with similar gaffes on a number of occasions since moving to Anfield, but it feels only a matter of time until one truly costs him again.

Nervy Anfield makes it difficult for Reds

If Liverpool are going to lift the Premier League title this season, they perhaps need a little more help from the Anfield crowd.

Although the nerves among the home fans were perhaps understandable given the stakes, they were too eager to transmit their negativity to the players.

AFP/Getty Images

Even an early goal could not calm the supporters, who were a nervous wreck in the aftermath of misplaced pass or poor decision.

The Reds crowd must try harder to bury their concerns over the club’s lengthy wait for a league title to create the sort of atmosphere witnessed on European nights here.

Midfield a different prospect with Fabinho

Had Fabinho recovered sufficiently to feature from the off in this game, it is likely he would have done so at right-back.

But the Brazilian’s performance in the centre of the park following his late introduction showed why that would have been a waste.

Liverpool much improved with the Brazilian on the pitch.
AFP/Getty Images

He instantly brought a degree of authority to the Reds’ midfield, ending Leicester’s hopes of the counter and bringing quality on the ball going forward.

After a slow start to his Liverpool career, the 25-year-old is starting to cement himself as a key man at Anfield.

Klopp must rethink Keita and Shaqiri selection

Fabinho’s impact could also perhaps be credited to the fact that his introduction alongside Adam Lallana broke up a midfield containing Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri.

It isn’t that the starting pair played particularly poorly, but that both are forward-thinking players whose ability to press and cut off passing lanes is inferior to those who replaced them.

Keita maybe not the right fit for tonight's formation.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Klopp may need to have a rethink over using both in a 4-2-3-1 given the ease with which Leicester launched counterattacks down the flanks and through the middle.

Solidity has been key to what the Reds have done so far this season and they lacked it in the first hour here.

Defensive lapse proves costly

It feels harsh to say that at the start of the season Liverpool would have won that courtesy of a clean sheet - but that doesn’t make it any less true.

The Reds seem to have lost a degree of the defensive steel that marked their start to the campaign in recent weeks and they need to find it again quickly if they are to keep things on track.

Perhaps injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are starting to tell on the defence, but the former is not guaranteed to return at West Ham while the latter is definitely out.

Liverpool must find solutions to their - admittedly minor - defensive slip before they head to the capital on Monday.

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