Alisson agitated as defensive duo concern
Alisson Becker had just prevented substitute Raul Jimenez from adding a fourth goal for Wolves when he decided enough was enough.
Having witnessed those in front of him flail hopelessly for the most part, the goalkeeper dropped the ball at his feet and then ran with it a good 30 yards before finding a team-mate and then trotting back into his penalty area.
It was arguably the most aggressive act from a Liverpool player all afternoon, particularly in defence where the absence of both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate was keenly felt.
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Joel Matip and Joe Gomez had previously played 90 minutes together as the centre-back pairing only twice, and then proceeded to demonstrate precisely why.
Matip, featuring for the first time since his horror show at Brighton last month, was clearly spooked by his unfortunate own goal early on. But there was no such mitigation for Gomez, who was partially responsible for all three Wolves goals.
While it would be an understatement to regard the latter’s campaign as inconsistent, the concern now is the sublime – such as his display against Manchester City in October – is fast becoming the exception rather than the norm. And that, with 18 games remaining, Liverpool have already conceded more goals in the Premier League than the whole of last season highlights why they are nearer the relegation zone than the Champions League qualification places.
Bajcetic truth clear
It is something of a convenient cliché at times when, in the wake of a humiliating defeat, the youngest player is lauded as setting an example for his more experienced, faltering team-mates.
Yet few could contend with the fact Stefan Bajcetic, similar to the FA Cup tie at Wolves last month, was Liverpool’s most impressive outfield performer here.
When the Reds enjoyed their best period immediately after the break, the 18-year-old was key in recycling the ball, mopping up in front of the defence and keeping the home side penned back.
And in the first half he was the one Liverpool midfielder willing to at least take on the responsibility of attempting to wrest the initiative from a Wolves midfield in which Matheus Nunes, a long-time Reds target, did his reputation no harm.
But Klopp will know it isn’t right for a teenager to be leading the fight. Fabinho, absent through injury, was given a pointed appraisal by the Reds boss on Friday, and Jordan Henderson’s cameo was not what the skipper would have wanted.
While Bajectic’s substitution late on was understandable, quite how so many of his colleagues avoided the hook for as long as they did or stayed on for the duration is curious. Regardless, the young Spaniard is fast becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Starting finished under Klopp
When the first whistle was blown, you used to know what to expect from Liverpool. And not the infuriating kick-off routine that too often serves to only give the ball straight to the opposition.
During the early years under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds were renowned for flying out of the blocks and tearing into the opposition. The approach was never sustainable, and gradually became one of greater control that transformed them into serial winners.
Now, though, Liverpool are far removed from either, the most passive of starters. Indeed, Klopp’s side have now conceded more goals in the opening five minutes this season than any other Premier League team.
That they are coughing up gifts with regularity is emphasised by the fact it was the first time Wolves had scored so early this league campaign.
And this game was only the ninth in which Liverpool have ‘lost’ both halves under Klopp and the first since the visit of Everton in February 2021. It has not been a happy New Year.
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