Three things learned from Liverpool's defeat to Man City including Henderson and Can need to get tough

Alex Broun 22:03 09/09/2017
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  • After some early season optimism for Liverpool fans, Jurgen Klopp’s team came back to earth with a thud after a 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City, lowlighted by the 36th minute sending off of a starman Sadio Mane.

    The Reds may still have lost if Mane was not sent off but it’s hard to imagine the victory margin would have been so decisive.

    Here’s three things we learnt from the match:

    LIVERPOOL ERRED BADLY IN NOT STRENGTHENING THE DEFENCE

    Former Newcastle and West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop may have said it was a ‘no-brainer’ on the red card decision but another no brainer was Liverpool had to strengthen their defence in the transfer window.

    All eggs were placed in the Virgil van Dijk basket and when he couldn’t be prised away from stubborn Southampton, the Reds settled for just bringing in Andrew Robertson from Hull.

    This clearly was a catastrophic failure. Klopp continues to make odd decisions in defence, as he did starting the Ragnar Klavan cart-horse against the City thoroughbreds. He was found out more than once as was Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alberto Moreno.

    Moreno has long been Liverpool fan’s worse nightmare but a few “good” games in pre-season and Klopp suddenly thinks he is Premier League standard. He isn’t. Klopp also refuses to give the impressive Robertson a chance.

    This result was not all Klopp’s fault but his failure to bring in a quality central defender and his odd selections certainly contributed.

    Jurgen Klopp

    Jurgen Klopp

    MENTALLY FRAGILE

    When the going gets tough the Reds go missing. It’s not the 1985 song by Billy Ocean, but the lament of Reds supporters from Anfield to Alaska.

    When Liverpool are on top players like captain Jordan Henderson and Emre Can, stride the field like colossus, winning every ball, making ever pass, unleashing fury on their opponents.

    But as soon as things get a little tough, like against City, they go into their shell and become meek little kittens barely contesting in the mid-field and chasing back for show rather than purpose.

    If Liverpool are to win anything then Henderson and Can must find the fortitude to be able to fight back when things turn against them. Henderson especially, as Liverpool (and England’s) captain needs to learn how to stand strong in the storm and lead his troops to victory.

    Jordan Henderson

    Jordan Henderson

    CITY CAN GO ALL THE WAY

    This was a statement of intent from City who confirmed that they will more than challenge for the title this year. Like last year they have breathtaking skill and pace all over the park with Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero the most deadly attacking combination in the Premier League.

    But unlike last season they have found a lot more grunt in the midfield and defence with Kyle Walker, Benajmin Mendy and Bernardo Silva adding some much needed steel.

    They can now hold tough like Chelsea, dominate in midfield like United and then destroy teams upfront like… City.

    It’s a total package and one that will be right there at the pointy end. Certainly the man advantage helped the Blue Mooners but they will destroy many more teams this season without the numerical advantage.

    Gabriel Jesus celebrates with his team-mates.

    Gabriel Jesus celebrates with his team-mates.

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