Scorer: Diogo Jota (59’), Gross(P, 93’)
Assist: Salah
3 talking points from the game:
- Brighton’s wasted chances and injuries cost them.
Brighton had a few good chances in the game with both Connelly and Maupay with the best chances.
Connelly was put in through on goal but could not finish and Maupay, who missed from the spot. Whilst their double injuries forced their substitutions, Maupay coming off with a hamstring injury and Lallana who was brought on and then subbed off for injury, they could not put enough pressure for longer periods of the game. Playing in a 5-4-1 formation, they had a couple of chances but could not put them away.
Connelly who was doing so well during his time on the field was taken off for Lallana and was visibly confused and unhappy with the decision. And so it was, when the man who substituted him was subbed off just 8 minutes later.
Sitting on 16th in the table with 9 points from 10 games, they will need to find better form and start opening the gap from the bottom dwellers or they will find themselves in a relegation battle come March.
2. Injuries are taking its toll but Jota is proving to be a wonderful buy.
With a defence that has been wiped out due to injuries or COVID19, Liverpool’s ambitions this season will be hampered significantly. The schedule is relentless for most clubs, even the bigger ones with bigger squads. 6 defensive pairing combinations in the last 6 games reflects the current situation of last season’s champions. The drop in quality is not as damaging thanks to liverpool’s system and their player’s familiarity, nonetheless, it can still be seen in their quality of play. Neko Williams’s challenge on Neal Maupay resulting in the penalty was one made by an inexperienced player learning the standards of top tier football.
Milner being taken off for injury is yet another sign of what is decimating Liverpool’s squad. How much longer before they have to field their youngesters we will see in the coming weeks, but as it is, even purchasing 11 players would not be enough.
What a purchase Jota has been. The former Wolves man getting his opportunities due to the many games Liverpool have had but he has score in his last 8 games. Picking up the ball at the edge of the penalty box off a Salah pass, Jota calmly dribbled the ball along the edge of the box, before finding space for a bottom left hand finish.
Jota will provide some relief to Klopp because his front 3 can now be rotated well. Whilst the players can be frustrated at being rotated, in the current climate, it is a happy decision for mangers to have and with Jota in such form, it’ll be even harder to drop him.
3. VAR takes center stage – 2 penalties from 2 VAR decisions.
Mo Salah’s goal, correctly called offside via VAR, was one that was extremely direct. A goal kick from Alisson to Firminho, who’s sublime technique to chest and set the ball through for Salah in a single motion, allowed for the Egyptian to get clear on goal and finish smartly. The margins were in the millimetres but this was a right call.
The decision that allowed for Pascal Gross to score, Robertson getting Welbeck’s foot as both were challenging for the ball was certainly harsh for the Reds, but in the times of VAR, it was again in accordance of the law, correctly given.
However it is these margins that is killing the game loved by many. Football is inevitably a contact sport and one that is defined by the smallest of details at the top level, but surely, a balance has to be found to allow for things such as contact between 2 professionals going for a challenge with no ill intent, instead of taking the passive route of following by the books.
Written by: Baz
