Watford 3-3 Liverpool: 5 things we learned

Another explosive game in the opening weekend of the season

It was another entertaining clash in the Premier League new season today as Watford stole a late draw at home to Liverpool.

In just the second game of the season we got 6 goals in an exciting game that followed the season opener last night, which was a 4-3 home win for Arsenal over Leicester.

So the first Saturday lunchtime kick-off at the season saw Liverpool travel to Watford in a fixture that was only won by an outstanding Emre Can overhead kick last season. The win was pivotal in Liverpool’s hunt for top 4 as they went on a winning streak towards the end of the season to secure Champions League football.

Their opening fixture has been somewhat overshadowed by the events surround star man Philippe Coutinho this week. Unavailable for the game with a back injury, it was confirmed yesterday that he has handed in a transfer request at Anfield to try and force a move to Barcelona. This was to the dismay of many fans due to the ill-timing. It is highly unlikely that we’ve heard the last of that transfer saga before the window closes.

And perhaps the off-pitch controversies made life difficult for Liverpool on it. In terms of getting the good start to the season they were looking for, they seem to be on course to take the win with goals from Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah. But a stoppage-time equaliser from Miguel Britos ensured that didn’t happen

Liverpool did struggle to get their dangerous front three into the game, particularly in the first half. Watford went ahead after 8 minutes after poor Liverpool defending at a corner (again) allowed Stefano Okaka to head the Hornets into the lead. That was cancelled out by Sadio Mané just before the half-hour mark but Liverpool weren’t level for long. By 32 minutes, Abdoulaye Doucoure put Watford back ahead and the hosts carried that into half-time.

Going into the second half, a penalty from Firmino and a tap-in for Salah seemed to be handing Liverpool the points. But it was a corner yet again that was Liverpool’s downfall as Britos was allowed to head home from close-range.

It was an overall poor performance from Liverpool, are here are 5 things we learned from their opening weekend 3-3 draw with Watford.

1) Defensive frailties as far as the eye can see

It was same old, same old for Liverpool going into the new season. Going forward, they looked dangerous when they get going. But at the back, oh dear. All 3 goals conceded for Jurgen Klopp’s side were defensive calamities, and to be quite honest, Watford weren’t much better. Liverpool’s Achilles heel last season was their defence of set-pieces, and yet it appears that nothing has changed. 2 goals today for Watford came from corners as the common problem for the visitors continues. The sooner Liverpool can make a move for Virgil van Dijk, the better.

2) New lease of life at Watford

Watford were really on the low last season as they lost their final 6 games under Walter Mazziari. However, in Marco Silva’s first competitive game, we saw a breath of fresh in the team. The play was so much more positive and there was a lot more enthusiasm in the crowd. They got the point they deserved after digging out a late winner. Things appear to be looking up for Watford ahead of the long-season in front of them.

3) Liverpool lacking the energy and creativity in midfield

All the buzz around Anfield has been to do with Coutinho missing this game. Yes, the Brazilian was missed for his creativity and ability to create something special, but Adam Lallana was also dearly missed for Klopp today. His pressing energy as part of the midfield three is integral to how Liverpool play, and without it, the midfield appeared sluggish. Emre Can had a good game, but Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum were both poor, with the latter being completely invisible in the first half in particular. Jurgen Klopp revealed this week that he is targeting another midfielder before the end of the transfer window. It would be ideal for him to bring an extra guy in to add some more options and energy into midfield. There seemed to be an inability, particularly in the first half, to get the front 3 involved, and that needs to be addressed.

4) Poor substitutions cost Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s substitution choices today were poor. Leading with 20 minutes to go, all 3 subs made by the manager made Liverpool a worse-off team. Divock Origi offers very little going forward for Liverpool and has done for quite a long time now, it would’ve been more beneficial for Klopp to bring on an extra body in midfield or even young striker Dom Solanke to freshen things up. James Milner for Mo Salah on 86′ seemed like a wiser choice, but then the decision to bring on Joe Gomez for Trent Alexander-Arnold was both unnecessary and fatal. Trent had had a great game. He had been good defensively and also going forward (particularly with his set-piece delivery), and there was no need to bring him off. Joe Gomez has had very few Premier League minutes and it was a big risk to bring him off with an important game in the balance.

5) Mignolet no.1 spot is not guaranteed

Just a couple of shaky moments today once again threw Simon Mignolet’s position as Liverpool no.1 goalkeeper into doubt. One particular incident in the second half with himself and Dejan Lovren was a big let-off. The goalkeeping position is not one that Liverpool have seen to be a priority this summer due to the good performances from Mignolet last season. But they have Loris Karius and Danny Ward waiting in the wings for their chance to impress over the course of the season. If Mignolet continues to prove that he is untrustworthy between the sticks, he may succumb to other choices in the squad.

 

By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10