Joel Matip couldn’t hide his discontent after Liverpool came from behind to let their lead slip away against Brighton, sending a message we’ve heard often this season.
After nearly three weeks without a game, the expectation is that the Reds are eager to get their season back on track after a tumultuous start.
But it was Brighton, under new management, who came out of the traps with intent and struck two early blows, which could easily have been more were it not for Alisson.
A brace from Roberto Firmino and an own goal put the Reds back on track, only their weak spot in defense forced them to settle for a single point for the fourth time this season.
It leaves a bitter aftertaste and Matip isn’t the only one disappointed by what unfolded at Anfield.
“Absolutely not happy. It’s not a good performance. Brighton played very well and made life quite difficult for us,” Matip said after Saturday’s draw, via the BBC.
“It was not our game and it started from the beginning. We need to improve.
“It was better but we are still not happy with our performance, especially at home. We expect more of ourselves.”
As for the influence of Liverpool’s two Brazilians at both ends of the pitch, Matip welcomed their efforts, but the overwhelming need to improve remained firmly on his mind.
“It’s great, even in a match that is not good for us, he [Roberto Firmino] scores. That’s brilliant.
“The [Alisson] he was there to save our backs again and hopefully he doesn’t have as many saves to make in the future.
I don’t care who comes [back]we just have to step up and do better.”
The Reds need to answer, but we’re only nine games into the season and we’ve heard that too many times.
