Liverpool will be usurped by Manchester City at the top of the Premier League tree tomorrow night should the defending champions swat away the challenge of an out-of-sorts Everton at Goodison Park.
Liverpool’s lead at the summit has been whittled down to three points following disappointing draws against Leicester and West Ham. Their defensive dilemmas have hogged the headlines in 2019, but Jurgen Klopp will be quietly concerned with his side’s surprising struggles down the opposite end of the pitch. The fabled front three seemed to run out of ideas against both the Foxes and the Hammers, with their frustrating failure to break down teams rapidly transforming into a matter of major concern.
Liverpool’s previously rip-roaring attack has wilted somewhat in recent weeks. The seven-goal thriller against Crystal Palace is the only game this year in which they’ve found the back of the net more than once; scoring just once in each of their clashes with Leicester, West Ham, Brighton, Wolves, and Man City.
One player in particular who came in for criticism last night was Roberto Firmino.
Probably Firmino's worst game for Liverpool that. Truly awful. (@timbolton1)
Careless passing. No composure. Didnt look bothered. (@V1KT0R1OUS)
He must be knackered. Played almost every game last season tracking back from striker near enough every game. Went to the World Cup QFs and then playing the all action number 10 this season. NEED Timo Werner this summer. (@GrayMurph)
There’s no doubting that Firmino is a simply superb player. His immense work rate, intelligence, tenacity, and technique make him a fundamental part of Klopp’s side, however in recent weeks he’s cut a frustrated, exhausted, and at times ineffective figure.
His tally of 12 goals is nothing to scoff at, although at this stage of last season he had seven more goals to his name, while he currently only has four assists in all competitions.
Is it time Klopp gave the Brazilian a rest in order to both re-energise and rediscover his free-flowing form of the previous campaign?
A number of fans certainly think so.
Bobby Firmino needs rest. He didn't add anything better to Liverpool play tonight (@Ben11Carter)
Klopp must get firmino fixed! He is been awful lately. His pressing ability & dazzling skills are off for now. And replaced by all round wrong passes. If klopp can't fix him, then maybe he should be given time to rest! (@CDORF4REALRED)
Firmino's performance has been criminal. Could probably do with some rest (@James_M_T)
Klopp didn’t bolster his attack in the January transfer window, a decision he could well regret, meaning he could now opt to place his faith in either Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi. The strikers have been scrapping it out for pressure minutes all season, and now could be the ideal time for the German gaffer to give one of his forwards a run in the team. At least until Firmino rediscovers his mojo.
