Liverpool failed to get over the line against a Tottenham side decimated by injury and suspension, and the shambles of a performance felt all too familiar for supporters.
Tottenham could not name a full 20-man squad at Anfield due to their extended absentees, without a win in 11, and above the relegation zone on goal difference only.
It was a match many neutrals would assume was headed in only one direction, but the fact Liverpool fans could sense the outcome and the performance flaws speaks to what has defined the campaign.
Again, a moment of brilliance was relied upon in the form of Dominik Szoboszlai‘s free-kick, with the Reds otherwise mustering only a further three shots on target.
Tottenham, conversely, had seven on target and created two big chances compared to Liverpool’s zero.
Anfield was quiet, emptied early and voiced its dissatisfaction after the final whistle, with a chance at finishing the weekend in the top four thrown away.
“I’m officially out – Arne ain’t it.
“When you’re saying this Spurs team could have won, should have won, Ali has made more saves than their dodgy keeper.
“Absolutely furious & it’s unacceptable.” – Speelautomaat in TIA comments
“I’ve defended Slot all season. This is the game that does it for me.” – Ronniewhelan in TIA comments.
“Don’t want a knee jerk reaction, but this result is BS, we all felt an equalizer was coming.
“Game management like this isn’t acceptable.” – Jota The Slotter in TIA comments.
The result, and more notably the performance, was hardly a surprise for Liverpool supporters, who have come to expect the worst, with the authority of yesteryear nowhere to be seen.
It is not working, nor has it been working for some time now.
Injuries or missing players does not excuse having no clear identity or direction, that’s transferable, it’s merely execution you should be debating, but alas, we are not.
The question for Liverpool has to be, how long can this go on for?