Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has bemoaned his players for not passing to Takumi Minamino more frequently against Chelsea.
Recalled Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalga pulled off a stunning triple save as the hosts battled to a fine 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win at Stamford Bridge.
Only two weeks ago runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool had lost just twice in 41 matches in all competitions this season.
Fast forward 14 days and Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have surrendered their rampant form, with defeat at Atletico Madrid, a 3-0 humbling at Watford and now this hefty blow in west London.
Liverpool still boast a 22-point Premier League lead over second-placed Manchester City, with a first top-flight title in 30 years no doubt a mere formality.
But there can be no doubt either that the exacting Klopp will be fuming with this faltering form.
And the German believes failing to get January signing Minamino into the game was a critical mistake.
“Takumi had a really good game. We could have used him much more often,” Klopp told his post-match press conference after the loss.
“If Neco (Williams) sees him once or twice he was completely free at the edge [of the box], he shot the cross more or less. If he’d seen him it would have helped.”
Despite the dream of a treble slipping away in front of his eyes, Klopp admitted to being contented with the performance of his troops.
“We are disappointed, as much as you can be,” Klopp told talkSPORT’s James Savundra.
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“We tried everything; I think everyone saw that at least, the effort was sensational. It was all good, everybody tried everything.
“Of course we are disappointed and this has nothing to do with games in the Premier League or in the Champions League.
“But we have now four days until we play Bournemouth at 12.30 so we have to be ready, and we will be ready.”
