Liverpool suffered a sixth consecutive home defeat on Sunday, this time to Fulham, as their hopes of securing a top-four finish now look almost over.
Less than a year ago this Liverpool side was being called the best side ever in the Premier League era. But after six home losses in a row for Jurgen Klopp’s side, the decline of this Liverpool side has been astonishing. They are still Premier League champions for the time being, but they are a team in free fall. Their league form, post-Christmas has seen them win just three of their 14 fixtures. They have taken just 12 points out of a possible 42 in that time.
Appalling. There really is no other word for it.
Forget Champions League football next season, it will not be happening. Liverpool trail Chelsea, Everton, West Ham and Spurs in the race for a top four finish with just 10 games to go. That is too many sides to climb over in such a short-period of time. The Europa League looks highly ambitious at this stage.
Much has been made of the big injuries to Liverpool’s defenders, but Jurgen Klopp seems to believe that the problem lies further up the field with his forward line.
“There were moments we could have had more of an impact on the game. Conceding that goal before half-time was a massive blow. We tried to react and the boys showed that. In the end we don’t score goals and that’s a big problem,” Klopp told Sky Sports .
“Fulham will cause us problems – it’s clear. They’re in a good moment, they’re a good team. We all agree a team like this should stay in the Premier League.
“[On suggestions Fulham players wanted it more] The winner is always right. My boys wanted it. It’s easy to judge they have won it so wanted it more. I don’t think that’s the problem.
“I don’t have to stand here and say we’re fighting for this or that.”
Klopp has a point. Sane and Salah scored goals for fun last season, but this season Liverpool have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League matches, while they have been shut out eight times in their 14 league matches since beating Crystal Palace 7-0 in December.
That is simply not good enough for a club like Liverpool.
