Fan Opinion : 12 Things We Learned From Cup Final Defeat

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Daniel Sturridge - Liverpool

It was heartbreak for Liverpool on Sunday after seeing their hopes of winning their first trophy in four years dashed by losing a penalty shoot-out to Manchester City in the final of the Capital One Cup.

But what did we learn from the game?

  1. There was a gulf in class between the two teams on Sunday, and Liverpool did well to take the game to penalties, and with their great record in penalty shoot-outs I fancied them to win, but it wasn’t to be.
  2. Klopp’s team isn’t good enough and he must add quality players in the summer if Liverpool are to match teams like Manchester City next season.
  3. Mignolet isn’t good enough. It’s hard to be too harsh on the keeper after producing so many great saves on Sunday, but he was woeful at City’s goal and these kind of mistakes are happening too often.
  4. Liverpool need a good left-back. Moreno should be flown back to Spain, he can’t defend, can’t tackle, can’t cross a ball, and has no brain, that causes Liverpool’s defence numerous problems with his decision making. Moreno has had plenty of opportunities, but all he is proved is that he is a liability.
  5. A midfield consisting of Can, Henderson and Milner is no good, they are all good players, but they are all similar and lack the creativity needed in Liverpool’s midfield.
  6. Klopp might just have found a new role for Lucas in the heart of Liverpool’s defence, the Brazilian was immense against one of the Premier League’s most potent attacks.
  7. Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge hardly got a kick of the ball on Sunday, but they were superbly martialled by City and they need more games together, the talent is there and they won’t have many quiet days like Sunday.
  8. Klopp doesn’t fancy Benteke. With Liverpool chasing the game in the latter changes, Klopp ignored the big Belgian, instead deciding to throw on Lallana and Origi to rescue the game, it looks like he will be away in the summer.
  9. Origi changed the game when he came on. The substitute’s pace and willingness to run behind City’s defence caused them their first problem of the game and he could have won the game with a header. Origi could have a big future at Liverpool.
  10. The Europa League clash with Manchester United means even more now after Sunday’s defeat.
  11. Raheem Sterling’s performance proved what Liverpool supporters know about their former player, that he is far from being a top class player and that he isn’t a natural finisher after spurning two sitters to keep Liverpool in the game.
  12. Klopp has inherited an average squad and inconsistent results and performances have proved that, but he has installed a ‘never give up’ attitude in his team and that was evident once again on Sunday as they scored late on to take the game into extra-time and penalties, despite being second best for most of the afternoon.

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