A third consecutive defeat. A third consecutive performance lacking intensity, lacking identity, and one that surely demonstrates that Arne Slot doesn’t yet know his best eleven. An identical scoreline to last week’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in London, and defeat in injury time, once again a hammer blow to a Liverpool team still struggling to adapt to an influx of new players.
Liverpool actually started well, but it soon became clear, despite the five changes to the starting line up from mid-week, that whatever eleven start in red, they’re simply not ‘at it’. The passing, movement and thought lack conviction and clarity. Milos Kerkez continues to try hard to impress; impulsive and too keen to win the ball, and with Conor Bradley replicating Kerkez, Liverpool were vulnerable down both flanks. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister’s lack of match practice may well have contributed to misjudging his ability to close down Caicedo, as the Equadorian advanced on goal. Though what led to a collective decision by Liverpool’s defenders, to choose not to close the ball down, is another matter, as a ferocious shot flew past Gio Mamardashvili.
In truth, a one goal lead at the break was probably the least Chelsea deserved, and Slot rang the changes at the interval. Florian Wirtz, who gave Liverpool a little more creativity, was introduced, as Dominik Szoboszlai replaced Bradley at right-back, having started in midfield. Further changes were made soon after, as Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson took over from Ibou Konate and Kerkez.
Whilst Liverpool’s improvement was slight, they soon equalised, as Isak, starved of service for much of the game, with an assist for Cody Gakpo.
As the game moved into the final quarter, it began to resemble basketball, with good chances going begging at either end. Unfortunately for Liverpool, they continue to be profligate in front of goal. mo Salah continues to mis-fire, and Hugo Ekitike, the one resounding success so far this season, was only introduced in the final fifteen minutes.
Just like last week at Selhurst Park, when Liverpool looked destined to escape with a point, they grabbed defeat fron the jaws of parity. Estevao stealing in at the back post, in the 95th minute, as Robertson’s desperate sliding lunge wasn’t enough to prevent the teenage Brazilian from scoring his first Premier League goal.
No longer top of the table, Liverpool have much to consider during the upcoming international break. A break that Slot will surely be grateful of if it allows him the time, injuries permitting, to nail down his strongest possible starting eleven. With Manchester United next up, as Liverpool return to Anfield, a win of any kind is desperately needed.
