Jurgen Klopp today accepted that Roberto Firmino did not perform at his usual level against Leicester City on Monday night.
The Brazilian started at no.9, but failed to hold the ball up or offer any clever movement, as he does at his sometimes brilliant best.
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In fact, his performance saw many Reds decide once and for all that we need a more recognised centre-forward purchased in the summer.
Klopp accepted Firmino needs to step it up, but also claimed his team-mates were equally as poor.
“Usually Roberto Firmino with his attitude, readiness you can give him the ball,” Liverpool’s boss told a press-conference ahead of tomorrow’s Arsenal game, cited in the Echo.
“But against Leicester the first ball went five yards away from his foot and you thought ‘what’s that?!’ It started like this and couldn’t get any better.
“I don’t know the last time he did that.
“If you have that many players not on their usual level each Premier League game will be difficult. So we lost because of our performance.
“We have to do better, 100%. Not only Phil and Roberto. There are a few other players who have a lot of space to improve.
“We have to be as confident as possible in the next game.”
Liverpool were excellent at Anfield last time out against Spurs, a side who defended with a high-line and tried to attack.
The fact they looked to score goals suited us to a tee, and we hope their north London rivals do something similar.
When sides look to defend deep and counter us, we’ve often struggled this campaign, especially since the turn of the year.