Liverpool analysis: Tactical slip-up from Jurgen Klopp, Reds response now vital after title blow as Dejan Lovren struggles

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David Lynch3 January 2019

Liverpool's long unbeaten run was ended at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday as Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race.

Sergio Aguero maintained his remarkable scoring home run against the Reds only for Roberto Firmino to equalise after the break.

Leroy Sane was the match-winner, cutting Liverpool's title lead to four points.​

Here are David Lynch's thoughts from the Etihad...

AP

Football gods seem to be fans of symmetry

And so when game 21 of this Premier League season threw up a trip to Manchester City for an unbeaten Liverpool, what came next seemed inevitable.

It was, of course, the 23rd game of the last campaign (close enough) when the Reds ended the champions’ hopes of an invincible season with a thrilling win at Anfield.

This wasn’t quite as frenetic - 2-1 isn’t 4-3 - but it was welcomed with as much fervour by an Etihad crowd that has every right to believe their team can launch a title comeback.

That was out of the question when Liverpool did the same to their hosts last time, such was the points deficit, but it is now their turn to provide a similar response.

A 19th league title remains firmly in their grasp for now if they can show the character that has marked a still incredible start to the season.

Lovren and his side were beaten for the first time in the league this season on Thursday.
REUTERS

Lovren struggles as defence finally cracks

From the moment Dejan Lovren received a yellow card for a cynical challenge on Sergio Aguero, the Croatian should have known he was in for a rough night.

The Argentine bamboozled his Reds counterpart for the first goal, emerging from behind to produce a brilliant touch and finish.

But it is in playing Raheem Sterling onside in the build-up to the second that Lovren perhaps deserves most censure.

The No.6 has been fantastic during his team’s incredible start to the season in defensive terms, but you feel Joe Gomez has the edge when he returns to fitness.

AFP/Getty Images

Kompany yellow a potential turning point

The birthplace of Anthony Taylor was the subject of much discussion in the build up to the game but the man in the middle could largely be happy with his night’s work.

That is apart from one controversial in the first half when Vincent Kompany received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Mohamed Salah, who would have been through on goal.

Similar tackles have been deemed worth of a sending off in the past and the City captain was fortunate not to suffer the same fate.

Could that prove to be a turning point in the title race?

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Fabinho omission a slip-up from Klopp

Having seemingly established himself after a slow start to his Anfield career, Fabinho was a surprise omission from the starting line-up against City.

Jordan Henderson struggled to get the ball moving from deep under pressure at times, something that his Brazilian colleague immediately remedied following his introduction.

Fabinho oozes composure and quality in the No.6 position and is handy around the box, too - as his assists against Manchester United and Newcastle proved.

Klopp may well wish he had started him from the off.

EPA

Reds response now vital to title hopes

A first league defeat of the season will hurt Liverpool, but they cannot dwell on that feeling too long if they are to end their wait for the title.

City responded to their similarly crushing defeat at Anfield last term by going unbeaten until April - a run that saw them earn a record-breaking 100 points.

Klopp will earn every penny of his wages in the aftermath of this loss convincing his players that the same is possible.

AFP/Getty Images

Robertson surely the best left-back in England

Though there were few poor performances in truth, Andy Robertson was the player to emerge from Thursday’s defeat with the most credit.

The Scot was phenomenal up against Raheem Sterling, denying the winger a second’s peace and winning virtually everyone one on one battle.

And his first-time ball back across the goal for Roberto Firmino’s headed equaliser was truly a thing of beauty.

If anyone still doubted that Robertson is the league’s premier left-back, they will surely have been convinced by this evening’s performance.

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