3 things that went wrong for Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby

Liverpool and Everton played out a goalless stalemate in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday. The usually hyped game between the two fierce rivals was relatively low-key on this occasion because the fixture was sandwiched between the Champions League quarter-final legs for Liverpool.

Both teams had their goalkeepers to thank for crucial first-half saves in a game that saw very few chances. But Liverpool would consider themselves lucky to not concede towards the end of the match, as Everton failed to capitalise on defensive mistakes from the Reds.

Some would say that Liverpool were lucky to come out from the game with a point, as Everton enjoyed the best chances and should have won but for some poor finishing.

But, Jurgen Klopp will be disappointed that his side didn’t match their usual lofty standards in attack and could not strengthen their position in the race for top 4 as they dropped two points.

We look at some of the factors which worked against the Reds in the game.

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#1 Squad rotation plans affected by injuries

Liverpool had to play the derby less than three days after a high-intensity Champions League game

It was a less than ideal situation for Klopp to have to play the derby sandwiched between two Champions League knockout ties in less than a week.

Injuries to many key players - including the in-form Mohamed Salah - only complicated Klopp’s plans.

The German manager had to do the fine balancing act of ensuring that his best available XI was fit and fresh for the game on Tuesday at The Etihad while also being competitive in the game against their local rivals.

The team’s attack lacked its trademark fluidity and did not pose much of a threat to Jordan Pickford’s goal while the defence showed signs of fatigue, especially towards the end of the game, and they were lucky to not concede on at least two occasions.

#2 Lack of offensive support from wing-backs

Nathaniel Clyne made his first start of the season

Injuries to Andrew Roberston and Joe Gomez along with a much-needed rest for Trend Alexander-Arnold meant that Nathaniel Clyne and Ragnar Klavan started the game as wing-backs for the Reds – with both players returning after injuries.

In recent games, Liverpool attack has benefitted a lot from the support given by their flying wing-backs, and their absence was evident in the game.

Both Clyne and Klavan are known more for their defensive abilities and, while they offered solidity at the back, their lack of offensive threat helped Everton keep the Liverpool attack in check.

The late injury to Alberto Moreno just before the start of the game further limited Klopp’s options on attacking options on the wings.

#3 Misfiring Ings and Solanke

Dominic Solanke is still searching for his first Liverpool goal

The brilliance of the attacking trio of Salah, Firmino, and Sadio Mane has also led to a conundrum for Klopp, as he hasn’t been to figure out how to prepare proper backups for three in the squad. With the three being core to the team’s success, the opportunities for other attackers have been far and few.

Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi have both left on loan in search of regular football, and Klopp has been left with the largely unused Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke as the only senior alternative attacking options.

Salah’s injury and Klopp’s decision to bench Firmino for some much-needed rest meant that both Ings and Solanke started the game. While Solanke is yet to score a goal for Liverpool, Ings’ last goal for the club was more than two-and-a-half years ago.

The gulf in class between Liverpool’s first choice attackers and their understudies was immediately evident in the game. Solanke was unable to capitalise on the few opportunities he got to score while Ings failed to offer much of a threat.

There was no lack of intent or tenacity from either of the two as they tried earnestly. But neither of them troubled the Everton defence and Klopp will be keeping his fingers crossed that he has his preferred attacking trio fit and available for the remainder of the season.