Liverpool were dealt a major blow in their title chase after they suffered a hugely disappointing 3-2 defeat against Swansea in Saturday’s early kick-off at Anfield.
Joel Matip was given clearance to take part by FIFA so he was named in the squad for the first time since December 11 while Philippe Coutinho started his first game since November 26th.
Jordan Henderson made his 50th Premier League appearance as Liverpool captain while Dejan Lovren featured in his 100th league game.
There wasn’t too much too get excited about in the first half as Liverpool dominated possession but were unable to breakdown Swansea’s defence.
However, the second-half started with a bang as Fernando Llorente poked home Swansea’s opener within moments of the restart before doubling the lead with a powerful header just minutes later.
Liverpool responded though and Roberto Firmino scored with a header in the 55th minute before Daniel Sturridge came on to replace Coutinho.
The hosts pressed for an equaliser and it was Firmino who came up with the goods once again with a sensational half-volley.
However, Swansea scored the winner and Liverpool had to settle for a hugely disappointing 3-2 defeat.
Here’s how fans saw the game on social media.
Fans were delighted to see Coutinho and Matip involved…
Perfect team selection apart from Matip not starting, although I can understand why… Come on you Redmen!!!! #LFC
— Simon Peacock (@THESimonPeacock) January 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jasonbranagan79/status/822768938471727107
Matip is on the bench! Come on lads! #LFC #YNWA
— Wan Adam (@wanadamm) January 21, 2017
Sadio Mane’s presence was certainly missed…
https://twitter.com/Eathen_1892/status/822795312918044673
I think a goal will come eventually but without a Mane type to take on and beat someone to create space we struggle.
— kop in full voice (@LFC_Bantz) January 21, 2017
We need another pacey attacker, Mane is litterally the only fast player we have
— AntonLFC (@AntonGBR) January 21, 2017
It was a shock when Swansea scored within minutes of the second-half…
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/822799698360668160
https://twitter.com/Alex_Barra12/status/822799408743862272
Awful defending from the corner, but what was Lovren thinking in unnecessarily conceding such a cheap corner? Brainless panicking
— Andy Wales ?? (@AndyArmchair) January 21, 2017
But fans were delighted when Firmino scored two goals to mount a comeback…
https://twitter.com/Kloppholic/status/822805298507370496
World class finish from Firmino!
— Alex Harris (@alexharris_92) January 21, 2017
That's world class
— Nathan (@VoiceofNathan) January 21, 2017
Swansea regained the lead though and fans were frustrated once again…
Never winning the league with this defence, you just can't keep gifting goals. It's embarrassing.
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) January 21, 2017
Worked so hard to get ourselves back in the game and sloppy defending sets us back again.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) January 21, 2017
Fans were not impressed by the performance as it finished 3-2 to Swansea…
Our best defender is a midfielder.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) January 21, 2017
Something of a reality check. Getting in the top four this season would be huge for #LFC and there's a long way to go. Need to regroup now.
— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) January 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/Alex_Barra12/status/822812299383611392
done trying to find reasons to justify our defence. It's absolutely shambolic. No defending any of that back today all woeful. Feel for migs
— Nathan (@VoiceofNathan) January 21, 2017
Nightmare of a game and performance for so many different reasons. System we started not working against teams visiting Anfield.
— kop in full voice (@LFC_Bantz) January 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/ZonalMarker/status/822812894249136128
https://twitter.com/lfcnads/status/822812980463157249
I love Klopp and think he is a genius but even he can only take this group of players so far. Bit I don't get is the reluctance to buy #LFC
— Paul A (@PaulBigpaulie) January 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/holty_LFC/status/822813217953083392
Do we need a signing or two? I think we do.
Will we make any? I doubt it.
Big summer ahead if we are to take the next step— Andy Wales ?? (@AndyArmchair) January 21, 2017
#LFC haven't won a Premier League game since Mane went on international duty. That saying we should beat a team bottom of the league.
— Mersey Reds (@MerseyReds1) January 21, 2017
Our disastrous start to 2017 continues
— Liam ? (@LiamLFCButler) January 21, 2017
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