Liverpool’s latest outing after the international break will not have left most fans optimistic, as Brighton snatched a share of the loot thanks to Leandro Trossard’s heroic hat-trick.
Sharing his thoughts after the game, Mirror journalist David Maddock noted on Twitter that Fabinho, in particular, seemed ‘miles away’ during the proceedings.
I honestly don’t know what has happened to the #LFC defense this season.
Brighton tore them apart at will, seeming to create chances every time they took the ball wide.
Not just back 4 though… Fabinho miles out, and no structure in the rest of the midfield the entire game. #Shambolic
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) October 1, 2022
In a continuation of a troubling theme from the start of the campaign, the middle of the park was once again too easy to play, inviting further questions about a problematic backline.
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With the gap at the top of the table stretching to 11 points (although we still have a game in hand), it raises concerns about what our season might look like given that our issues don’t look anywhere near being resolved anytime soon. .
It was thought that restoring Jordan Henderson in midfield would give us more defensive stability, adding balance to a midfield that leaned toward the offensive end with Harvey Elliott.
It remains to be seen whether further tactical adjustment from Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff is required to bring their underperforming stars back to their best.
Whatever the solution, we cannot continue to allow our most trusted lieutenants to continue to disappoint us on a regular basis.
Liverpool’s big problem may already have been resolved after Merson noted the international break advantage.