Another frustrating draw for Liverpool, as their new manager Jurgen Klopp is still looking for a win. The 1-1 draw against Southampton today is Liverpool’s 8th draw of the season. It was Liverpool who took the lead through a very good Benteke header, who came on as a substitute at half time. Soon, Sadio Mane equalized for the Saints and at the end of full time the score board read 1-1. Saido Mane was booked twice and was sent off during the injury time.
Here are the three things we learned from today’s match.
1. Alberto Moreno is really enjoying under Klopp:
Moreno was one of the best Liverpool players last week. He was really working hard, he was pressing hard, tracking down the opponents well and his main highlights were the perfectly timed and accurate tackles he made on Sadio Mane inside the penalty box. Moreno’s attacking performance was also quite good. Even though, at times he could have done better his attacking display was impressive and hopefully will develop under Klopp.
2. The reason behind Liverpool conceding after taking the lead:
This was the seventh time that Liverpool conceded after taking the lead this season. The reason behind is that they don’t keep possession after they score. If we look at the game versus Southampton, after Liverpool scored, the ball was mostly with Southampton and that eventually lead to their equalizing goal. Liverpool is having a tough time scoring goals, so at least they should learn to defend their one goal lead.
3. Liverpool should learn to defend set pieces:
Liverpool’s defensive performances have developed lately, but still there is one area where there is no improvement. Set Pieces. In the game versus Southampton, Saints player, Van Dijk managed a free header from a set piece. At the situation about three Southampton players were let loose. Liverpool’s poor defending during set pieces also caused them two points in the game. Gaston Ramirez, who assisted Mane with a headed pass, should not have been allowed to head the ball back to Mane. If there is no improvement in Liverpool’s set piece defending they are going to concede more goals throughout the season.
Again it was not a satisfying result for Liverpool Football Club and its fans, but there are positives to take. Benteke’s goal would have given very much confidence. It was his third goal in the league this season. Emre Can’s performance was again impressive. Players like Lucas Leiva, Mamadaou Sakho, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno and Adam Lallana also had good games.
