Another episode of ‘Can’t Defend, Won’t Defend’ at Anfield today.
Liverpool chucked away a two goal lead v Sunderland, with Jurgen Klopp unable to watch his side due to appendicitis.
Zeljko Buvac saw goals from Firmino and Lallana put us within inches of the three points, only for the players to allow relegation threatened Sunderland stupidly back into the game.
SEE MORE:
(Video) Roberto Firmino goal v Sunderland – Brazilian bags for Liverpool
Dejan Lovren injury: Croat limps off after 11 minutes v Sunderland
Liverpool totally dominated possession during a slow first-half that will sadly be remembered for two more injuries, just as our roster was returning to full strength. Dejan Lovren limped off after 11 minutes and was replaced by Kolo Toure, and then Joe Allen had to make way for Jordon Ibe.
Allen was being used as a no.10, and he was playing some nice passes in an unnatural, advanced midfield role – and we can only hope the injury isn’t serious and his substitution was only precautionary.
Firmino slammed a few shots over the cross-bar from range, but Moreno had our best two chances. The Spaniard, constantly in the opposition half, fired a shot against Mannone and missed a close-range header as well.
In the second-half, the pattern of the game continued until Milner’s cross found Firmino’s head – much to the relief of fans all round the ground.
The Brazilian’s sixth Premier League goal came at a crucial time and lifted the strain of what was looking like an all too familiar Anfield scene.
He then combined excellently with Lallana to put us 2-0 ahead, seemingly an unassailable lead.
As was planned before kick-off, fans streamed out on 77 minutes in protest to the board’s decision to ride ticket prices ahead of next season.
It was quite a sight to see with Liverpool leading, but says far more about the state of the game right now.
#LFC #WalkOutOn77 https://t.co/6WqKuOGstF
— Billy Liddell (@Liddellpool) February 6, 2016
It was now that Sunderland came back into the game, much to the dismay of those still left in the ground.
Adam Johnson pulled one back, embarrassing Mignolet from a free-kick – heaping even more pressure on the hapless Belgian.
If that wasn’t bad enough, Defoe grabbed an equaliser following horrific Sakho defending. With Lovren and Skrtel now injured, the Frenchman needs to pull his finger out, frankly.
Injuries and one point against Sunderland. What a depressing afternoon.