The competitiveness of the Premier League is always most evident in the middle of the season when injuries begin to mount, teams enter other competitions, and momentum (or lack thereof) is in full swing.
As an example, here’s a blind comparison of three English Football Clubs
Team A leads the Premier League in goals scored and has just three league losses all season
Team B has two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions, averaging a little over a goal a game and was eliminated from a cup semi final
Team C has just one win in their last seven games in all competitions, averaging a goal in a game in that span and was eliminated from a cup semi final
Reds fans will be happy to know Team A describes Liverpool, who before January was averaging well over two and a half goals a game. Team B represents Hull City, who is just one point above the bottom of the table. If Team A is Dr. Jeckyl, Team C is Mr. Hyde. It’s the same Liverpool Squad, but results have taken a complete 180.
Liverpool conveniently has two built in excuses for their recent screeching halt in offensive production. Many feared the worst when the Brazilian magician, Philippe Coutinho went down with an injury earlier in the season and in the five games since his return, he’s yet to find his usual terrific form.
Sadio Mane’s absence from the frontline is certainly evident. Since his departure for the African Cup of Nations, Lucas has found the net more times than the combined efforts of Mane’s two replacements, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi. Sadio Mane could make a return against Chelsea if Senegal lose their knockout round match against Cameroon, but the manager needs to plan for his continued absence.
A lineup without Mane and Coutinho does not completely explain Liverpool’s horrid form. Liverpool only took one point from two teams currently in the relegation zone. Fourth tier Plymouth Argyle forced an FA cup replay at Anfield and the Reds lost a home and away EFL semi-final against middle of the table Southampton. None of these teams come close to top quality.
Perhaps more concerning for Klopp’s men is the poor form is spread around the field. Defensive issues were obvious from match day one, but their match against Swansea highlighted some key issues. After the controversy surrounding whether or not Joel Matip was actually retired in the eyes of FIFA, Matip didn’t set foot on the field until the fourth minute of extra time.
The player he would’ve likely replaced, Ragnor Klavan, made two huge defensive errors by not marking his man on the second goal and not clearing the ball effectively on the third goal. Klopp needs to admit Klavan is not yet ready to handle intensity of the Premier League and stick with his most experienced defensive backs, Dejan Lovren and Matip.
Jordan Henderson had a great start to the season as Liverpool’s central midfielder, but has been absent for the past two months. Klopp hinted on Monday that Henderson is battling a heel injury, perhaps suggesting he may not get the start in the upcoming FA cup match against Wolves. Either way, Henderson needs to push forward once he regains his fitness. He may lead the league in passes completed, but Liverpool’s possession has amounted to nothing as of late. The same can be said of Lallana, whose form dropped after Barcelona expressed interest.
Perhaps it was naïve to think Liverpool could maintain their high octane form for a full season, which is why if I were a Reds fan, I would be worried about the manager. Klopp only knows how to play all out attacking football and his disregard for defense is evident throughout his time at Mainz, Dortmund, and now Liverpool. Even when they took a lead at Borunemouth, Liverpool did not resort to protecting the lead, which ultimately cost them the game.
Liverpool has just one more match to find their form before they play critical games against Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal in a five match span. Expectations for the season have likely already changed from battling for the title, to retaining a spot in the top four. Six points separate second from sixth in the table and this stretch of five games is critical for Liverpool’s season. Should their current run of form continue, serious questions will be asked of Klopp’s ability to adapt to life in the Premier League.