It was about time that Liverpool fumble
They have now lost 3 of their four games. The number is as many as they had lost in their previous 66 matches. Moreover, they conceded 8 goals in these four outings.
They seemed untouchable. They played 44 league games without a defeat. Jordan Henderson hoisting the English Premier League trophy amid confetti and fireworks seemed inevitable. Everyone thought Klopp's Kop would achieve the feat without even losing a match.
But, much to Anfield's dismay (and Arsenal fan's relief), the Liverpool juggernaut was finally stopped. They have now lost 3 of their four games. The number is as many as they had lost in their previous 66 matches. Moreover, they conceded 8 goals in these four outings.
Should they panic? Of course not. They only needed 11 points from their remaining 10 matches to secure the league after 30 seasons. But, a dream of a treble or even a domestic double is now broken.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Liverpool's confidence would certainly be dented by their recent performances. Klopp needs to look at things that went horribly wrong.
First, his ever-reliable midfield is prone to mistakes right now. Against Chelsea in the FA Cup tie, Fabinho gave away the ball at the edge of the box, which eventually was turned into the first goal by Willian. Chelsea's second goal was also a giveaway. This time Virgil Van Djik, lost the ball against Olivier Giroud in a tight position and Ross Barkley obliged.
The second thing that Liverpool lacked was their tenacity to come back from behind. In recent memory, Liverpool have released themselves from tight situations by keeping the pressure on the opposition, and through relentless counter-attacks. But, against Chelsea, for a third time in 15 days, they failed to come from behind. They failed to register a single shot at goal at the second half.
They still can make it to the Uefa Champions League next round by overturning a 1-0 deficit against Atletico Madrid. Taking the league title and the UCL is no mean feat by any stretch on imagination. But, their sudden slump is surely causing some discomfort.
Liverpool faithful can point to the fact that two teenagers, Neco Williams and Curtis Jones started the match against Chelsea. Also, irregulars like Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino and Adam Lallana got starts. However, Liverpool had three of their four best defenders on the pitch in VVD, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez.
"We deserved to lose because they scored twice and we made massive mistakes for both goals," Klopp admitted after the match.
The mistakes which Klopp talked about were less in number in the last 18 months. Of course, any big team won't be able to hold their momentum for so long, but, Liverpool fans might panic that the loss of momentum came at a wrong time.
They can turn things around with a strong performance against Bournemouth on Saturday. Floundering in a long season in quick succession won't eventually worry Klopp much. What would bug him for sure is that his players failing to match the standards he set on the pitch for so long.
"Nobody has to feel sorry for us, we will win football games and that is what we want to do on Saturday." Klopp uttered pertinently as he knew that any big team can hit the bump. But, the way they have established themselves as the best team in Europe, Liverpool would surely want to get their game up and running.
