Darwin Nunez underlines Liverpool worry as protestors make point in front of Tom Werner
Squad given dose of reality
Confirmation of the Liverpool team here prompted an intriguing debate. Which was stronger, the starting XI or the players who were on the bench?
While a nod to the welcome sight of long-term injury absentees Trent-Alexander Arnold, Diogo Jota and Stefan Bajcetic being among the substitutes, it also reflected a team selection that saw six changes. Come full-time, though, the more pertinent question was over which collection was the worst.
In defending his line-up, Jurgen Klopp was correct in his assertion rotation was required if Liverpool were to have any chance of continuing to compete on two fronts over the closing weeks of the season.
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But if there was always going to be a point where juggling absences and constant changes would catch up with the Reds, it shouldn’t have been in this damaging manner. Maybe the squad isn’t as strong as previously thought.
This, in retrospect, was the imperfect storm. The regulars who started looked jaded and uncertain, while those who came in, most notably Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas, were understandably undercooked and lacking rhythm.
Having so admirably negotiated a relentless injury crisis, that matters should unravel so spectacularly when the cavalry have started to arrive could be seen as some sort of joke. Nobody at Liverpool is laughing right now, however.
Nunez underlines worry
Trust an Italian defence to turn what had been a nagging doubt over Liverpool’s attacking threat into a full-blown worry. While nowhere near as dangerous as at Old Trafford last weekend, the Reds still
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