Those with a glass half-full mentality will say that Liverpool getting knocked out of the FA Cup is fine – they can concentrate on fighting it out for fourth place in the Premier League now instead. But those of a half-empty persuasion will have noted that the Reds have played six times in 2023 so far….winning just once.
On paper, a 0-0 draw with Chelsea looks a decent result for a team that has been struggling for clean sheets of late. But anybody that witnessed Liverpool’s engagement with the Blues at Anfield on Saturday will have been left in no doubt that the Londoners would have been worthy winners.
Jurgen Klopp rang the changes for the midweek visit to Molineux in the FA Cup, and he was rewarded by a much-improved performance from his side as they marched into the fourth round. It needed a wonder goal from Harvey Elliott to separate the sides in a hard-fought 1-0 victory, but this was a much more solid showing from the Reds that was devoid of their recent defensive woes.
There’s a very real chance that Liverpool could end the 2022/23 season outside of the European places and without a trophy to their name following another heavy defeat. Brighton were full value for their 3-0 win over the Reds on Saturday, and that loss adds extra significance to Liverpool’s trip to Molineux on Tuesday for the FA Cup third round replay – that competition may be their only real hope of lifting a trophy this term, which would go some way to papering over the cracks.
Jurgen Klopp handed a debut to exciting new signing Cody Gakpo in last Saturday’s FA Cup encounter against Wolves, but it was frailties at the other end of the pitch that once again cost Liverpool dearly.
The festive period is a time for giving, and Liverpool’s defence were in particularly charitable mood against Brentford on Monday. They gifted the Bees a catalogue of goalscoring chances, and in the end the Londoners settled for three presents as they wrapped up a 3-1 victory that seriously dents Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish.
Any notion that the World Cup break might have somehow changed the way Liverpool go about their game was quickly dispelled in their 3-1 return win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. This was heavy metal football of the highest order, and while many were experiencing their traditional Christmas bloating on the sofa, the Reds were in fine shape as they cut through the Villains.
There would have been moments that pleased Jurgen Klopp despite defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, and at other times he will have been tearing his hair out in frustration.
Finally, after what feels like a lifetime, ‘proper’ football is back! Whether you loved the World Cup or loathed it, most would agree that it’s fantastic to have the domestic club campaign back up and running.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man! In his fleeting appearances in goal for Liverpool, Caoimhin Kelleher has proven himself to be something of a master at saving penalty kicks, and the young Irishman was at it again as the Reds launched their defence of the Carabao Cup with victory over Derby County.