Why Liverpool’s defeat at Swansea isn’t as bad as fans think
Last night Liverpool faced their first Premier League loss since October 2017. The Reds’ trip to the Liberty Stadium played out to a 1-0 win for Swansea City.
Liverpool’s three month unbeaten run was thwarted by bottom of the league Swansea after the Reds’ recent away fixture. The home side got themselves in front after Alfie Mawson scuffed the ball past Loris Karius from a 40th minute corner.
A mis-headed clearance from Virgil van Dijk led to the first and only goal of the game. Frustrating for the Dutchman compared to his astonishing FA Cup debut. But his impressive defensive stats were overshadowed by his error.
The Reds had several chances to equalise but their finishing was uncharacteristically sloppy throughout the game. After their spectacular 4-3 win against league leaders Man City, Liverpool shocked fans with how much they struggled to convert their chances.
Must Read: Carlos Carvalhal thinks he’s cracked Liverpool but he’s wrong
Deep defending teams like Swansea are Liverpool’s Achilles heel. The 2016/17 season saw the Reds struggle on eight separate occasions against lower table teams. Their only five defeats of their previous campaign were against similar clubs – including Swansea.
It’s an issue LFC have struggled with for years now. But yesterday’s result isn’t as bleak as it seems.
Adjusting without Coutinho
More from Rush The Kop
- Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
- Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
- Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
- Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
- Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Liverpool’s first match without Brazilian starlet Philippe Coutinho saw the team stop Man City’s 22 game unbeaten streak. Teamed up against an equally attacking side, the Reds flourish. But faced with deep sitting defenders, Jurgen Klopp’s team have a tough time.
Coutinho wasn’t just a worldie scoring, mad dribbling magician, he was Liverpool’s attacking focal point. Pitted against lower table sides, Coutinho would draw out the defensive wall and allow space for his teammates to attack.
Last night’s visit to Swansea showcased just how much the club are missing someone of Coutinho’s calibre. Despite Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah being some of the best in the league, they looked extremely out of their depth against the Swans.
Liverpool were never a one-man team, but adapting to a strike force without Coutinho will take time. Especially against teams who park the bus to play for a result. This is where Klopp really needs to get a move on and bring a replacement in.
Before the Swansea game, the Reds hadn’t lost a league game in 14 matches. Their 4-1 defeat against Tottenham in October unleashed an unbeatable streak that has their top four chances almost sealed.
Last season’s runners up Spurs are now two points behind Liverpool and one place outside of the Champions League bracket. Reigning winners Chelsea are also just three points in front of Liverpool. Third place is definitely in reach.
The Reds have also racked up a huge 54 goals this season, the second highest in the league behind Man City.
Swansea are currently bottom of the table on level points with West Brom and just three away from relegation safety. Swansea were promoted to the Premier League in 2011 and have finished in mid table positions since.
Their first real season of facing relegation isn’t one any team wants. The Swans have fight left in them to keep their PL status and they earned a huge three points against Liverpool. Their victory also marks just the third defeat for the Reds this campaign meaning they’re still in fantastic shape.
Next: 5 reasons Leon Goretzka will choose to sign for Liverpool
Tottenham’s next three fixtures will be Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal which is an important window for LFC put even more distance between the two. Yesterday’s blip on the radar isn’t something we need to be getting worked up over, Liverpool still have absolutely everything to play for.