Liverpool players have cost Jurgen Klopp his dream farewell - and there's a worrying pattern

Liverpool's Premier League title pursuit came to a grinding halt on Wednesday night after losing 2-0 in the Merseyside derby.

Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put Everton on their way to a first win over the Reds in front of fans since 2010, all but ending Jurgen Klopp's hopes of going out on a high as manager.

Arsenal and Manchester City are now primed to battle it out for top spot, with Liverpool now requiring something of a miracle to end the campaign out on top.

Reacting to this damaging defeat, three Reds have shared their views as part of a weekly ECHO fan column.

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Andrew Cullen (Widnes, @brothersred5) - Klopp's glorious reign ending in worst possible way

This Liverpool team looks like an orange which has been squeezed to its limits. The pips have popped, and what remains is an empty husk.

It always felt like Liverpool were holding on to the title chase, rather than leading it. To win the title, you have to deserve it. Liverpool’s recent performances have fallen far short of this test. The sobering truth is that we have had spells of impressive play throughout the season, but this has been coupled with spells of poor finishing and poor defending.

Big honours are won by big players. Our big players have shrunk in the spotlight at the most crucial time. The chances we have missed in key games is unforgivable as it is unforgettable.

This Klopp team looks tired and hollow, and Klopp’s star is now fading as his time draws to a close. This looks to be how Klopp’s reign will end, not with a bang but a whimper.