Liverpool’s loss to Southampton highlights worrying trend Jurgen Klopp must solve

Southampton v Liverpool: Match in pictures

Liverpool may still sit top of the Premier League but Jurgen Klopp has a new issue he’ll desperately need to solve if they hope to retain their league title. This current Premier League season has already thrown up a number of surprise results with big teams dropping points seemingly on a weekly basis.

Liverpool have had their own issues with a number of high profile injuries and Joel Matip’s problem forced Klopp into playing Jordan Henderson at centre-back against Southampton.

But his experience at the back failed to prevent Liverpool from going a goal down inside two minutes at St Mary’s.

James Ward-Prowse showcased his set-piece expertise with a delightful chip through to Danny Ings, who expertly lobbed Alisson after Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to clear.

However, more concerning for Klopp was what followed and it’s been a growing trend in recent weeks.

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The 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace before Christmas looked to be the marker to set Liverpool on their way, but it’s looking more and more like a one-off.

Against West Brom, they dominated possession and created buckets of chances without truly threatening other than Sadio Mane’s goal in the opening 12 minutes.

And their lack of cutting edge against the relegation-threatened side looks even worse considering Leeds and Arsenal beat West Brom 5-0 and 4-0 last week.

The Reds had a chance to redeem themselves a few days later though against a Newcastle side struggling for form.

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But once again, Liverpool’s usually trustworthy front three of Mohamed Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino lacked any real threat going forward.

It was a similar pattern against Southampton as well with Liverpool pushing for an equaliser in the second half while lacking any real creativity.

It’s not only been in the last three games either though as Liverpool similarly came unstuck against Fulham earlier last month with Salah’s penalty saving them from a disastrous defeat.

Teams know how dangerous Liverpool’s attack can be on their day when they find the space and they have done now for several years.

But part of Klopp’s success at Liverpool has been his ability to find a way for his attacking trio to thrive.

Salah may be top of the scorer’s chart this season, but even he’s looked a shadow of his usual self in recent weeks.

It’s not quite a disastrous run as yet with Liverpool still top of the table, but it’s something Klopp will need to find a solution for and fast.

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