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One draw and two defeats in the space of a week have let the air out of Liverpool’s season.

The Europa League campaign is hanging by a thread after a 3-0 defeat in the quarter-final first leg against Atalanta, while the club’s title challenge is also in serious jeopardy after the 2-2 draw at Manchester United and 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

That Palace game was the culmination of problems that have been bubbling below the surface – slow starts, bad finishing and a fragile mentality since the FA Cup exit to Manchester United last month.

But while it may feel like it, Liverpool’s season is far from over.

After cameos against Sheffield United and in the league at Old Trafford, he struggled in his first start back from injury against Atalanta and was replaced at half-time.

His passing was not at its pinpoint best when he came on just after half-time against Crystal Palace, but he did try to open up the game in a way others could not.

Make a virtue of being away

It is striking that Liverpool’s slow starts have tended to come at Anfield in recent weeks.

The last time Klopp’s team conceded the first goal in a Premier League away game was at Arsenal on February 4 and before that, at Palace on December 9.

It may be no bad thing that their next four matches are all on the road.

It is an easier proposition to play ugly for the opening 15 minutes if you are not trying to appease an expectant home crowd and there is also some value in not having to deal with edginess from your supporters.

The atmosphere for the Palace game last Sunday was not poor, but there was, inevitably, a sense of weary resignation as Liverpool spurned a series of second-half chances.

Their shot map in those matches can be seen below.

Decision-making, coolness under pressure and luck have seemingly deserted them, and while others were also guilty of missing chances, it makes sense to refresh the front line.

Jota and Cody Gakpo both made positive impressions from the bench against Atalanta and Palace and have put a strong case forward for their inclusion from the start.

When Salah was away at AFCON and then injured, Jota stepped up and became Liverpool’s main man.

The Portugal international missed arguably Liverpool’s biggest chance at the weekend when his close-range shot was blocked by Tyrick Mitchell with the goal gaping.

His place in the side should not be untouchable, but it is more likely Klopp rests either Nunez or Diaz, who can fare slightly better as impact players running at tiring defenders after Jota and Gakpo – two of Liverpool’s most relentless pressers – have worn them down.

The alternative, which surprisingly Klopp decided not to do against Crystal Palace, is playing four of his forwards at the same time.
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