Liverpool appear a team in crisis following their exit at the hands of West Brom in tonight’s FA Cup fourth round. On the back of defeat at Premier League bottom club Swansea on Monday night last, this evening’s 2-3 defeat to the Baggies highlights the club’s soft underbelly, leaving Reds fans frustrated and questioning their team and manager as we enter the key part of the season.
It's not long before Firmino leaves Liverpool. We need to win trophies to keep our best players and this will be another year going trophyless. Well done! #LFC #LIVWBA
— Tejas Shetty (@tejas1003) January 27, 2018
The amount of Times @Alex_OxChambo crossed it straight into Ben Foster’s hands. This is a £40 Mil wanna be Steven Gerrard. He couldn’t even lace his boots if he wanted to do #LFC #LIVWBA #FACUP
— Adam (@Virgil4LFC) January 27, 2018
Facts #lfc played horrendous tonight, my fear is our manager has no plan B no way winning anything this year #Liverpool FC
— Carl (@coachcarl75) January 27, 2018
#LFC used to be a club that existed to win trophies. It's now a feeder club and Mickey Mouse outfit when compared to the bigger and more elite football clubs.
— Profondo Rosso (@Pounds_Sterling) January 27, 2018
Despite Virgil Van Dijk’s record signing, Liverpool continue to look weak in defence. The big Dutchman failed to lead the back four this evening and once again Liverpool’s indecisive goalkeeping strategy was brought to the fore, with Simon Mignolet’s return between the sticks probably raising as many questions amongst his team mates, as fans. And it showed on the pitch where the defence as a unit looked vulnerable throughout against West Brom.
Up front, Sadio Mane seems a shadow of the player who was on fire throughout last season. While he and his offensive team mates continue to work hard, they have failed to convert a high enough percentage of chances created to defeat less expensively assembled teams like West Brom and Swansea, a fact that would have been unthinkable two weeks ago.
With days remaining in the transfer window, it seems almost certain that Jurgen Klopp will enter the market. Liverpool fans, tell us who you think could steady the ship? Is it right that Emre Can is wearing the armband, despite wanting away from the club? How does the club resolve the goalkeeping situation? Can the club rebound for Tuesday’s critical away tie at Huddersfield?