Coming into this game, Liverpool and most importantly Klopp found himself under pressure. Questions about fatigue and tiredness had dominated most of the press conferences this week for the German and things didn’t get any better as Wolves took the lead in the first minute of the game.
Klopp had defended his stance in the run-up to the game, stating that the club’s playing style was not the deterrent factor. Instead, the manager elaborated on the past two displays stating, “We didn’t play that well but we could have won games. We could have won at United, we could have beaten Swansea. It’s not about the things you can measure. Football is about decision-making. You have to make the right decision at the right moment, and obviously, we didn’t do that often enough.”
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However, it was Wolves who turned up all pumped for the 4th round display. Goals from Richard Stearman and Andreas Weimann ensured them the win. A late goal from Origi for Liverpool did flame the final embers of the game as the Reds looked for an equaliser.
And the spark almost arrived in the form of Origi’s shot which was on course to be the equaliser, before the Wolves defence managed to clear their lines. In the end, Wolves ran out as deserved winners as they continued their thrilling run in the FA Cup. Here are the talking points from the game:
#1 Counter-attacking Wolves leave Liverpool clueless
The 41st minute of the game defined what counter attacking is all about. While much can be said about Liverpool’s defending as a whole, credit must be given to the Wolves players. As another Reds attack failed, they gave the ball away to the visitors on the edge of their box. Further graciousness followed in the form of abject tackles from Moreno and Gomez as Costa sprinted through the centre.
Weimann, who had followed in tandem, found himself in the clear as his first touch took him past Karius before planting the ball into the empty net. And just like that, Liverpool were two down in the match and were staring at a cup exit for the second time this week.
The goal, in fact, had been coming; Helder Costa who is on loan from Benfica had troubled the Liverpool defence all afternoon. His pace and hold up play had been excellent and along with some fine support from his team-mates ensured that the Reds defence was always on their toes.
#2 Liverpool needed more from their midfield
Much has been made of Liverpool's attacking trio but their zing has disappeared in recent weeks. As a result, the midfield which has played more or less a supporting role in terms of goals and assists in the first half of the season now need to step up.
Wijnaldum has scored only twice this season and in this game provided little, in attacking terms. Twice in the game, he found himself in decent positions but was hesitant to shoot. Bringing youngsters and giving them a feel of the occasion is one way of planning for the long-term, but they need to be winning as well.
Statistically speaking they have dominated all the games they have lost this week in possession. With possession above 70% percent in all three games, Liverpool have been undermined at times due to lapses in concentration.
Klopp needs more from his midfielders in terms of goals if they are to turn their season around. And a dose of self-belief is essential before they welcome Chelsea to Anfield. The January month has been a bit iffy, to say the least and Liverpool will quickly want to put the disappointments behind them if they are to rescue themselves from a further slide.
#3 Lambert plays the spoiler role to perfection
Before the game, Lambert had promised to take the Reds “out of their comfort zone” and his team was given a shot in the arm as they took the lead in the very first minute of the game. Lambert had stated, “We have earned the right to play at Anfield because we beat Stoke. We were fantastic in the Stoke game when nobody gave us a chance.”
And they turned up for the occasion as promised as they took their chances with aplomb. Lambert sent out his team with high intensity which was well served by a constant press from their midfield.
The forward Costa made the most of the inexperienced Liverpool defence as he provided a ready outlet for his team. And Lambert’s team were true to themselves as stated earlier, “I don't think we can get caught up into playing Liverpool's way, so I have to find a way of upsetting them and making it ugly and probably take them out of their comfort zone, and that is what I will try to do.”
The 2-1 scoreline in favor of the Championship side was a just result for the former Premier League coach. The Scot, having managed Aston Villa in 2015, was unceremoniously shown the door after he failed to improve the club’s position which was 18th at the time. This result is sure to afford him a smile, while the furrows deepen on Klopp’s forehead.
#4 Lack of creativity needs to be addressed quickly
One of the brighter points this season has been the dovetailing of the Brazilian duo, Firminho and Coutinho alongside Sadio Mane. Mane’s absence coupled with an injury to Coutinho has been a glaring factor in the past few games.
That though still doesn’t explain Liverpool’s inability to create any clear cut chances in the past two games. While Southampton were defensively disciplined, Wolves took it upon themselves to test the Liverpool defence. The two goals were a testament to their game plan and outshone the need of an individual.
The Reds needed their players to be more authoritative on the ball, especially their forward players. Although, there hasn’t been any lack of enterprise in their game play it is their failure to penetrate in the final third that has cost them games this season. Lethal finishing and quick interplay need to be immediately summoned if they are to dig themselves out this trench they are in.
#5 Liverpool may actually look forward to Chelsea’s visit
Klopp’s team is still a fairly evolving one and setbacks such as these are to be taken as challenges. Rather than throwing in the towel, Klopp needs his team to keep on working for each other. The game against Chelsea should make them go in with no pressure after such a dreadful week.
Instead, it will be the Blues who are expected to come and get a result at Anfield. It may, as a result, favour Liverpool this time round. After the game, Klopp accepted responsibility for the line-up stating, “I’m responsible for the line-up. It’s not allowed as I understand it to blame the players. You learn a lot about players in these situations, but it’s my responsibility. I’m responsible for it, 100%.”
The German is sure to name a stronger side in the midweek Premier League fixture after seeing his side crash out of cup competitions this week. With only Premier League games to concentrate on now, the German should look to fine tune his playing style further.
The Reds need to ensure that they stop the rot and get back to doing what they were doing earlier this season. Fewer games mean Klopp will get time to work with his players and improve their decision making.
