Liverpool have shown their inexperience during an awful first half of Carabao Cup football against Arsenal.
The Reds were cut open time and time again by a far more experienced Gunners’ side – who took a 3-2 lead into the second 45.
It all started well for Liverpool, who went 1-0 up after just six minutes thanks to a Shkodran Mustafi own goal after good work down the flank, but then Anfield was rocked when Arsenal scored three without answer through Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Martinelli (twice).
But the ease at which Unai Emery’s team were able to cut through the midfield and back four of the Reds will have Jurgen Klopp the most worried.
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There is no doubt Klopp fielded an inexperienced team, but there are enough senior stars around the XI to let the Reds get a grip on things in the second half.
Adam Lallana was selected to play in a deeper role with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain either side of him, and that formation is leaving Liverpool looking horribly exposed when Arsenal roam forward.
Harvey Elliot played a poor pass that led to the third goal and that shows how few minutes of senior football he’s played – while right-back Neco Williams hasn’t been immune either.
Sepp van den Berg, making his full debut for Liverpool, has looked shaky while passing out from the back but they are only carrying out Klopp’s instructions.
James Milner made it 3-2 before half-time with a penalty following a foul on Elliot, and he’s one of the senior pros who will be needed to make his voice felt on the field if the Reds are going to turn things around.
Klopp has a very young bench devoid of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum stayed at home for this one, too. So the lads on the pitch better grow up fast if Liverpool are going to take something from this.