- Roberto Firmino criticised for role in Liverpool’s draw against Sevilla
- Brazilian rarely involved in second-half for the Reds
- Pat Nevin claims forward forgot ‘page one of the handbook’
- SEE MORE: Sevilla manager inspired players with half-time cancer revelation
Roberto Firmino has been criticised for his role in Liverpool’s second-half collapse against Sevilla.
The Brazilian’s first half brace and Sadio Mane’s instinctive header had given the Reds a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the break.
All fears of Jurgen Klopp’s men succumbing to the intimidating atmosphere had been somewhat diminished by an explosive attacking display- until Sevilla kick-started their fight back.
Pat Nevin took to BBC 5 Live Sport to vent his frustrations over Firmino opting for careless flicks as opposed to holding the ball up for his team and restoring a sense of order in a torrid second-half.
“If you’re under pressure hold the ball up. None of your flicks and tricks”@PatNevin says #LFC‘s forwards put their defence under pressure pic.twitter.com/xb56aG3avC
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) November 22, 2017
Liverpool proceeded to be the architects of their own downfall after the interval, granting Sevilla the foundation on which to produce an impressive comeback.
Wissam Ben Yedder has pulled two goals back for the hosts within 15 minutes of the restart, heading home from a free-kick before converting from the penalty spot- both of which were given away by Alberto Moreno.
Guido Pizarro then completed the turnaround when he scrambled home a 93rd minute equaliser.
Sevilla’s fierce response was met by a lost Liverpool team lacking of leadership and the kind of aggression Klopp has worked to implement.
Firmino’s pressing from the front became non-existent in the second-half, whilst the team’s midfield trio failed to offer any protection for an under-fire back four.
With Chelsea coming to town on Saturday, the Reds have to regroup and fast.