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There would always have been a point when Liverpool’s lack of center-backs would catch up with them.
In terms of timing, however, it couldn’t have been much worse for Jurgen Klopp.
Bad enough that it came just days after the Reds boss once again indicated he would have ideally moved to strengthen his bottom line this month.
But whether it was at Old Trafford, the home of their bitter northwest rivals Manchester United in an FA Cup draw broadcast on terrestrial television has only served to make the general public understand what is known in Anfield circles for a significant period.
Lazy and unfair evaluations will no doubt point the finger at 19-year-old center-back Rhys Williams, who made a horrific mistake for United’s second goal and made other mistakes the home side have made could not capitalize.
Yes, it was a testing night for the teenager facing the quality of a confident United attacking line while stepping into a self-confident Liverpool side.
However, when Williams reported for the preseason this summer, he couldn’t have imagined he would play in a game of this magnitude.
No one could. And there is the catch.
Liverpool are there due to a remarkable string of unfortunate events. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are injured in the long term. Jordan Henderson joined them on the sidelines. And Joel Matip just couldn’t be risked after he only returned on Thursday after an episode.
But, for their own reasons – some understandable, others we don’t know yet – Fenway Sports Group did not sanction a signing this month.
For more reactions to Liverpool’s FA Cup exit, watch the post-match podcast HERE
A bet, he directly contributed to Liverpool’s exit from the FA Cup in a performance from which they could otherwise get a lot of encouragement. How much that hinders their season, only time will tell.
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Klopp, rightly so, turned to Fabinho to help bridge the gap. The Brazilian exceeded all expectations, but the fact that he is not a center-back was evident when he was cheated by Edinson Cavani for the free kick on which Bruno Fernandes hit the winner.
Was it a mistake? Maybe not. But by diving, Fabinho gave Cavani the opportunity to force dismal referee Craig Pawson to make a decision.
Of course, any defender could have made the same mistake. But it is Fabinho who does it says a lot.
What happens over the next seven days – on and off the pitch – will shape the remainder of a season at Liverpool who have now reached a defining crossroads.
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