‘Absolutely terrible’ Spurs hero slammed for Brighton flop

A hero against Tottenham and a flop against Brighton? Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has been slammed for his unacceptable performance this week.

The Brazilian was brilliant against Spurs and capped off that performance with a goal, but against the Seagulls, he’s been poor.

Liverpool really struggled to break down Brighton and Firmino failed to bring his creativity to the match, although he did have a few bright moments – one nice turn allowed the forward to get a shot away, which was blocked by Lewis Dunk.

Jurgen Klopp must have been ripping his hair out on the sideline as he watched this side build up in a slow, ponderous, and predictable manner yet again. Maybe Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner as two of the three midfielders don’t help things here?

Liverpool fans spent a large part of the match asking for changes to the side. With Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench, who was sent on with 30 minutes to go at the expense of Wijnaldum, Klopp had options that could provide a different way to get a Graham Potter’s side.

However, it would help if the Reds had a central forward who could be relied on more for goals. Firmino’s finishing has never been the best, but it’s started to cost the side as chances have become rarer and the team has become jaded due to the demands of COVID-19.

Liverpool need Roberto Firmino in form

Last season his xG was 13.5, according to fbref, but Bobby hit the back of the net just eight times. This season he’s doing better and has six goals based on an xG of 8.4.

Without Diogo Jota, Firmino does start to look a little bit indispensable. Divock Origi isn’t going to start many games, while Takumi Minamino has been sent on loan.

While Firmino might have gone from hero to villain in the space of 60 minutes, it’s going to be someone that Klopp persists with.