Is Reds Current Form Just A Blip?

Liverpool produced arguably their worst performance of the season last night as they lost 1-0 to a determined Southampton side in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final.

The margin of the defeat could have been greater with the home side spurning a host of chances that could’ve put the tie to bed.

The game was actually similar to the 0-0 Premier League match played earlier in the season between the two sides, apart from Southampton posing a greater threat on the counter-attack on this occasion.

Although Liverpool lost, they still have a great chance to reach Wembley with the second leg being played at Anfield.

The game produced a familiar spectacle for Liverpool supporters in recent weeks with their favourites dominating possession for long periods without creating many goalscoring opportunities.

Although Liverpool scored on two occasions in the disappointing 2-2 draw with Sunderland at the beginning of 2017, they didn’t do enough on the day to win the game, and although manager Jurgen Klopp rang the changes in a very youthful line-up against Plymouth in the FA Cup at the weekend, they failed to score, or produce any clean cut scoring chances.

The lack of experience was put as an excuse to why Liverpool couldn’t beat Plymouth but Klopp fielded a strong team against Southampton and once again struggled to create chances against another team deploying the old ‘parking the bus’ tactics.

There is a number of factors contributing to Liverpool’s recent slump in form –

1. Injuries – injuries to key players like Matip and Henderson have been a big loss and although Liverpool were still recording good results without Coutinho, they need him back to his best and last night’s highlight was the Brazilian’s return to action when he was introduced in the second half.
2. Mane- although he played and scored in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland, his absence in the last two games was sorely missed with Liverpool lacking someone with lightning pace to frighten defences.
3. Loss of Form- Too many players are struggling for form at the moment, Firmino and Can are two of the obvious players struggling but Sturridge doesn’t look the player he was a couple of seasons ago and last night many others lost their form too.
4. Toxic Thunder- Liverpool need to bin their third kit, it’s horrible and the team have lost their three games this season whilst wearing it.

Liverpool are still in every competition but this month could be pivotal regarding the rest of their season, a tricky away trip to Plymouth in the FA Cup follows a massive fixture in the league against Manchester United this Sunday.

The second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final come at the end of the month so Liverpool must find their form quickly or see their season collapse after such good work up to now this season.

Is it just a blip? Time will tell.