This is the fourth time in the Premier League in 2016 that Liverpool have surrendered two-goal leads, and not won games.
It was stunning fightback from Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon as they overturned a 3-1 deficit to beat Liverpool 4-3 at Dean Court – handing a blow to the Reds’ title chances in the process.
A lot of the spotlight on Liverpool has focussed on both the defence and the goalkeeper Loris Karius. Naturally it would, if your side goes two goals ahead and there are 15 minutes left in the game, then you would expect a side with ambitions of finishing top of the table to see the game out – whether that’s by holding on to the lead or getting another goal.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp looks dejected
There have been too many of these cases from Liverpool in the past year – though this defeat is the first instance this season.
Last season, Liverpool surrendered two-goal leads to Sunderland, Southampton and Newcastle United in a two-month spell – costing them seven points in the process.
There have, of course, been more cases since of Liverpool holding onto leads and indeed stretching them when they have gone a couple of goals ahead since.
Sunderland’s Victor Anichebe in action with Liverpool’s Joel Matip
The absence of Joel Matip in Sunday’s defeat to Bournemouth was evidently key. A huge presence which brings calm to an otherwise nervy defensive unit was sorely missed. It’s of little surprise that no incident has happened with the summer signing in the side.
Jürgen Klopp must know this is happened a little too frequently during his reign. While there were signs prior to the defeat to Bournemouth that things were becoming a little more solid at the back, that Liverpool could see out games, this is an unwelcome reminder – but there’s plenty of time for this situation to be rectified over the course of the season and for them to make up ground on their rivals.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before the match
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
