Liverpool's lead was cut to four points last night as the biggest game of the Premier League season lived up to expectations. In a pulsating contest, Manchester City ran out 2-1 victors by 1.12 cm. The performance of a particular player - that being Dejan Lovren - was heavily criticised. He was at fault for both City goals. He was too flat-footed allowing Sergio Aguero to ease past him and too deep playing Raheem Sterling onside in the build-up to Sane's winner.
It was a typical Lovren performance away to a Top 6 rival. Earlier in the week, Lovren expressed his ambition to go unbeaten for the entire season. There is no problem with what Lovren said. It's the right mentality to have to not want to lose. However, as Newton's Third Law states - for every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In Lovren's case, a press interview in normally followed by him playing a stinker in a big match.
Lovren can't be media trained, surely? There are many instances of him speaking outrageously to the media. and on social media His personal battle with Sergio Ramos emanated from an interview where Lovren labelled himself as one of the best defenders in the world. On the basis of last night, you most certainly are not. When Spain met Croatia, his nation won 3-2. Lovren, intent on winding up Ramos, called Spain "p******" and posted a photo on Instagram of him elbowing Ramos. So, when the press released the interview of Lovren saying he wanted to go unbeaten, which, I reinforce, there is nothing wrong with, there was this feeling that come Thursday, Lovren would play horribly. Those fears were confirmed.
The reaction to Lovren's performance was just. He was criticised for his part in City's goals but some fans went too far, ordering his departure during the January transfer window. Lovren in his five years at Anfield has under-performed, undeniably His worst game was last season (4-1 loss against Tottenham away - surprise - with him substituted before half-time) but ever since then, he's been (largely) superb. The problem with Lovren, though, is that there is an expectation that he will cock things up. Last night was this in action.
In too many big games, he has not performed. His up turn in form was not doubt aided by the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk. That said, Lovren is a liability. There is no doubt in my mind that Liverpool would have at least drawn, perhaps won, if Joe Gomez was available. The Gomez-Van Dijk partnership was arguably the best in the league up until Gomez's injury versus Burnley. Lovren slotted in and played well but unlike Gomez, he has not performed in big away matches. Gomez's only questionable displays have been in his unnatural right back role.
The question now is what to do with Lovren. He's somehow managed 5 years at Liverpool but never really adorned himself to the fans. In a position so key as central defence, the player playing there cannot have the capability to have a calamitous performance. Everyone has bad games, but it is too often with Lovren and away games. Upon Gomez's return, he will undoubtedly be Van Dijk's main partner, Lovren as 3rd choice. Should he leave in January? No. Should he leave in the summer? Possibly.
But who would want to sign Lovren? Arsenal? They need defenders.
Liverpool must now return to winning ways. There is talk of the natural Liverpool bottle job but I don't see it happening. Liverpool were unlucky to lose last night, not taking the lead by 1.12 cm. After all, Liverpool have already lost 4 games this season. Losing is not a new feeling. Wolves is a must win to give all confidence back.
Liverpool are still four points clear which is a decent lead. There's still a lot of football to be played and Livepool will drop points along the way, but no doubt City will too. The title race has only just begun.
It was a typical Lovren performance away to a Top 6 rival. Earlier in the week, Lovren expressed his ambition to go unbeaten for the entire season. There is no problem with what Lovren said. It's the right mentality to have to not want to lose. However, as Newton's Third Law states - for every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In Lovren's case, a press interview in normally followed by him playing a stinker in a big match.
Lovren can't be media trained, surely? There are many instances of him speaking outrageously to the media. and on social media His personal battle with Sergio Ramos emanated from an interview where Lovren labelled himself as one of the best defenders in the world. On the basis of last night, you most certainly are not. When Spain met Croatia, his nation won 3-2. Lovren, intent on winding up Ramos, called Spain "p******" and posted a photo on Instagram of him elbowing Ramos. So, when the press released the interview of Lovren saying he wanted to go unbeaten, which, I reinforce, there is nothing wrong with, there was this feeling that come Thursday, Lovren would play horribly. Those fears were confirmed.
The reaction to Lovren's performance was just. He was criticised for his part in City's goals but some fans went too far, ordering his departure during the January transfer window. Lovren in his five years at Anfield has under-performed, undeniably His worst game was last season (4-1 loss against Tottenham away - surprise - with him substituted before half-time) but ever since then, he's been (largely) superb. The problem with Lovren, though, is that there is an expectation that he will cock things up. Last night was this in action.
In too many big games, he has not performed. His up turn in form was not doubt aided by the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk. That said, Lovren is a liability. There is no doubt in my mind that Liverpool would have at least drawn, perhaps won, if Joe Gomez was available. The Gomez-Van Dijk partnership was arguably the best in the league up until Gomez's injury versus Burnley. Lovren slotted in and played well but unlike Gomez, he has not performed in big away matches. Gomez's only questionable displays have been in his unnatural right back role.
The question now is what to do with Lovren. He's somehow managed 5 years at Liverpool but never really adorned himself to the fans. In a position so key as central defence, the player playing there cannot have the capability to have a calamitous performance. Everyone has bad games, but it is too often with Lovren and away games. Upon Gomez's return, he will undoubtedly be Van Dijk's main partner, Lovren as 3rd choice. Should he leave in January? No. Should he leave in the summer? Possibly.
But who would want to sign Lovren? Arsenal? They need defenders.
Liverpool must now return to winning ways. There is talk of the natural Liverpool bottle job but I don't see it happening. Liverpool were unlucky to lose last night, not taking the lead by 1.12 cm. After all, Liverpool have already lost 4 games this season. Losing is not a new feeling. Wolves is a must win to give all confidence back.
Liverpool are still four points clear which is a decent lead. There's still a lot of football to be played and Livepool will drop points along the way, but no doubt City will too. The title race has only just begun.
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