3 things that went wrong for Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby

#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.