Danny Murphy believes the performances of Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold should give Liverpool something to smile about following that 2-0 defeat to arch-rivals Everton, as he told talkSPORT (22 Febuary, 12:00pm).
After losing a Merseyside derby at Anfield for the first time this century, positives are few and far between for Liverpool fans right now.
The crown is slipping and, as it stands, Jurgen Klopp’s once all-conquering side will have the Europa League theme ringing through their ears rather than the Champions League one next season.
Goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson on Saturday mean Liverpool have now lost four straight games on their own hallowed turf for the first time in 98 years.
But, for Murphy, there were at least two players who could look themselves in the eye and be proud of their efforts after a defeat which felt like the painful nadir of a disastrous title defence.
“(Mane) was the one – he was everywhere and back to where he could be,” explained the former Liverpool midfielder.
“(Trent) was somewhere near back to his best. He was very productive, getting in behind, his passing was superb. He was one of the only two positives at the weekend.”
Alexander-Arnold came as close to anyone to finding a way past a disciplined Everton defence, drawing a fine reflex stop from Jordan Pickford with a thumping drive from the edge of the box.
But, thanks to the impeccable displays of Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and a rejuvenated Pickford, Liverpool are now five points adrift of a fourth-placed West Ham side.
Murphy believes that, on recent evidence, there is little to suggest Liverpool can turn their season around and seal Champions League qualification.
“Their recent run of form is awful. Right now, at this second, no (they won’t finish in the top four). It’s disappointing, I want to see Liverpool thrive and build on the success that they’ve had.”
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