Collapsing Liverpool must reboot or risk a Spurs beating

Played 10, won 1, drawn 4, lost 5. If Liverpool could rewind the clock and start 2017 all over again, they would jump at the chance. It has been a horrendous start to the New Year for Jurgen Klopp’s side. What has gone wrong? How can the Reds repair the damage? Ahead of Sunday’s pivotal clash at home to the Spurs (Singtel Ch103 and StarHub Ch228; 1.25am), TODAY’s EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) shares his observations and possible solutions.

Problem 1: Running into brick walls

(Hull City's Eldin Jakupovic gathering the ball as Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge looks dejected. Photo: Reuters)

They were so enterprising, so full of ideas, but since the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, Liverpool’s bountiful well of imagination has run dry. It is not as if encountering opponents that try to neutralise them with 10 or 11 men sat behind the ball is a new phenomenon.

With the exception of a lethargic display at Burnley back in August, Liverpool were blowing away teams that adopted such a negative approach with their keen-witted passing and dynamic angular movement up until January.

Of late, it has been a different story.

Flat, predictable and mentally sluggish, they have spent the last six weeks passing endlessly from side to side without getting anywhere. They played better against Manchester United and Chelsea (even if they did only muster a total of five shots on target in those two games) but in matches they were expected to waltz, it has been one frustration after another.

Having to hog the ball just has not suited them. Losing to Swansea and Hull with over 72 per cent of possession was humbling,

Moving the ball too slowly, picking the wrong moments to try give-and-gos or deliver crosses, Liverpool have looked rather lost trying to break through the brick walls.

The stats are damning. A far less imaginative Liverpool have snared just 14 goals in their last 13 outings.

Solution vs Spurs

Tottenham’s desire for all three points should make tonight’s contest a different experience. I expect a fairly even split of the ball, so gaps will not be so hard for Liverpool to exploit when they win it back on turnovers.

If they do begin to dominate and Mauricio Pochettino’s men drop back, Klopp must conjure up a Plan B.

For me, that means going more direct. While I accept it is not Liverpool’s style to hoist early balls into the penalty box, when a rival drops deep and denies you space for incisive passes to come off, sometimes it is best to go longer, to play the percentage game.

Knockdowns and flick-ons often enforce untidy breakthroughs, and that is all Liverpool need to get their season back on track.

They are not blessed with a natural target man, but it is important the Reds do not become one-trick ponies.

Problem 2: Dodgy defensive decisions

(Alfred N’Diaye’s close-range finish for Hull from a knockdown at a corner was near identical to four others the Reds have shipped this season. Photo: Getty Images)

If Liverpool were serious about staying in the hunt for honours, they would have strengthened at the back in January. With a makeshift left-back, two nervy keepers and just the one reliable central defender, I am astonished Klopp did not delve into the market. That was a mistake.

Counter-attacks have been a real thorn in their side. Three of their last five concessions have stemmed from ruthless breakaways that were self-inflicted.

Desperate to breach the massed ranks, they have been too gung-ho. Pushing both full-backs forward at once and letting two central midfielders get ahead of the ball were dicing with death and opposition managers sussed it out. Over and over again the Reds were caught short on breaks.

They have never quite solved their set-piece troubles either.

Every time a free-kick or corner is delivered, panic seems to ensue. Alfred N’Diaye’s close-range finish for Hull last weekend from a knockdown at a corner was near identical to four others the Reds have shipped this season. Learning from their mistakes has failed to happen.

Solution vs Spurs

Rumours on Merseyside suggest Klopp may switch to a 3-4-3 formation against the Spurs. It would be a radical, risky move for a game of this importance. Personally, I would bring Loris Karius back in for Simon Mignolet. The Belgian keeper can look outstanding on his day, but he is often a blooper waiting to happen.

I would also ditch the zonal marking system that has failed them so badly at corners this term. Klopp could instruct his two biggest defenders to man-mark Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane, leaving the others to go zonal, and I believe that will help.

You cannot keep making the same mistakes without altering something. Part zonal, part man-to-man may be the way forward.

As for counter-attacks, I expect Liverpool to be more sensible against Tottenham. Big games tend to focus their minds. Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all failed to score from open play at Anfield.

Problem 3: Imperfect preparation

(Liverpool's players could be suffering from fatigue as a result of a crammed fixture schedule. Photo: AP)

Liverpool’s absence from European competitions played into their hands until Christmas. With a full week to prepare for each fixture, jadedness was never an issue. Klopp and his coaching staff could fine-tune the teams’ preparations without distractions. A packed late December-January schedule proved how big an advantage that was.

With five domestic cup games to cram in, the Reds were forced to play 12 matches in 40 days.

This meant there was minimal time to work on tactics at the training ground, players suffered fatigue, and fringe players were called upon.

It blunted their edge, and exposed their fragilities.

Solution vs Spurs

For the first time in a couple of months, Liverpool have had seven days’ training to prepare for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur.

There is no excuse for them not to look refreshed, and ready to implement Klopp’s strategy.

So how, Sunday?

(Liverpool need a five-start performance from Philippe Countinho. Photo: Getty Images)

The hosts are unbeaten against their top six rivals this season, and with time to work on their game plan, I am expecting a serious upgrade in performance.

The form table says Spurs will walk it, and they are a very powerful proposition these days, but a five-star showing from the likes of Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho is long overdue.

If that happens, I am not convinced the Londoners will be able to come out of the Anfield cauldron unscathed.

A draw suits neither team, so I am tipping a winner. Klopp’s revival MUST start here.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1

Big Match Predictions

Arsenal v Hull City (Tonight, Singtel Ch102 & StarHub Ch227; 8.30pm)

Arsenal fans are disenchanted by recent performances and bitterly divided over Arsene Wenger’s future, so expect plenty of empty seats in protest, amid an uneasy atmosphere at Emirates Stadium. Tactically, fast-improving Hull will try and frustrate an already edgy Gunners side, and I don’t think the North Londoners will find it easy.

Prediction: 1-0

Burnley v Chelsea (Sunday, Ch102 & Ch227; 9.30pm)

Sean Dyche’s over-achievers have only trailed for 38 minutes at home all season. No visiting team has breached their defence at Turf Moor in the opening half hour of a contest. That’s rock solid form. So Chelsea will have to bring their A-game. The Blues are physically strong though and this is just the kind of battle that they relish.

Prediction: 0-1

Swansea City v Leicester City (Sunday, Ch103 & Ch228; 11.50pm)

In many respects this is THE game of the weekend. It pits a Swansea side that’s begun to buzz under Paul Clement, inspired by the excellent Gylfi Sigurdsson, with a Foxes outfit that’s in serious danger of becoming the first top-flight champions to be relegated the following season, since 1938. Wingers Demarai Gray and Riyad Mahrez will be key men, and I fancy them to produce some much-needed magic for Claudio Ranieri. Finally.

Prediction: 0-2