Liverpool kicked off their Premier League campaign on a bitterly disappointing note as they were held to a late 3-3 draw by Watford at Vicarage Road
Marco Silva’s men took an early lead through Stefano Okaka’s header in the 8th minute as Liverpool conceded from the umpteenth set-piece situation under Jurgen Klopp. Sadio Mane then equalised at the half hour mark only for Abdoulaye Doucoure to restore the hosts’ lead just three minutes later.
The Reds started the second half on a positive note though, as two goals within two minutes by Roberto Firmino and new boy Mohamed Salah saw the visitors grab the lead at last in the match.
Klopp’s men did grab the bulk of the goalscoring chances from thereon out. But as has been the case ever so often with Liverpool, they ended up conceding from yet another set piece situation, albeit in a highly controversial fashion as Miguel Britos bundled the ball in during injury time to ensure a share of spoils.
Liverpool fans though, were left utterly frustrated by their team’s performance as defensive troubles spelled trouble for the Redsyet again. Here are the best tweets that emerged in the aftermath of the match at Vicarage Road.
Next summer, instead of going to Asia to improve their brand, Liverpool may want to stay back at Melwood & work on defending. Just a thought
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) August 12, 2017
It’s the same story of every year. Idk how some people are surprised about it. And get ready because it’s gonna be like that.
— JonasMarek (@JonasMarek) August 12, 2017
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) August 12, 2017
Remember all that stuff we said at the end of last season about how #LFC need to strengthen this summer?
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) August 12, 2017
I think that’s the most predictable equaliser I’ve seen in football history. Not even joking. Laughable defending.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) August 12, 2017
Liverpool are back, and absolutely nothing – NOTHING – has changed.
— Captain Arsebiscuits (@anaIdirgeprat) August 12, 2017
Worked hard on defending set pieces during pre-season then ey
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) August 12, 2017
New season, old problems. Set pieces. Terrible. Could someone please jump to clear danger? Anyone? Matip? Lovren? No?
— Miloš Marković (@MiloseMarkovicu) August 12, 2017
Unsurprisingly, Jurgen Klopp bore the brunt of fans’ ire after his men were held to the stalemate by the hosts:
Terrible substitutions. Terrible defending of set pieces. Terrible decision by the linesman. Two points completely thrown away.
— The Liverpool Way (@theliverpoolway) August 12, 2017
Should be a wake up call for Klopp, Edwards and everyone involved in recruitment at #lfc
No way we can have this personnel on 1st Sept.— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) August 12, 2017
The result is down to Klopp tbh, no CB signed this summer and subs were awful today, Don’t know why TAA came off it made no sense
— Moley (@Moley_LFC) August 12, 2017
Pathetic. I honestly do wonder what Klopp works on defensively? It’s defo not set pieces. We’re a bit powder puff too. Need nastiness. #LFC
— Graeme Kelly (@GraemeKelly1) August 12, 2017
The substitutions today made us worse when we were on top. That’s Jurgen Klopp’s fault.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) August 12, 2017
So predictable. New season, same old #LFC deficiencies. Bizarre that glaring weaknesses have not been dealt with by Klopp
— Ben Smith (@BSmith) August 12, 2017
If van Dijk is not get-able, its beyond reckless to not bring in someone else. And for that, I’m sorry but Klopp has to take responsibility.
— showmethemoney (@smtm_LFC) August 12, 2017
At what point does Klopp take some proper responsibility for the fact his teams just can’t defend?
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) August 12, 2017
It wasn’t all doom and gloom though, as summer signing Mohamed Salah got off the mark for Liverpool on his Premier League debut:
SKKKKRRRRTTT IT’S THE BOYS ? pic.twitter.com/VvImkzu5nt
— Liverpool Gifs (@lfcgifz) August 12, 2017
The away end going crazy after Salah’s goal ❤️
? @COPA90 pic.twitter.com/61YKfufTIS
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) August 12, 2017
Big congrats to Mo Salah, who was given Man of the Match on a debut where he didn’t play near his best. Sign of a player! ? pic.twitter.com/2TESPzlhmK
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) August 12, 2017
Mohamed Salah (5) had as many shots as the entire Watford side during his time on the pitch.
Picking up dangerous positions. pic.twitter.com/PvK0tpcWou
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 12, 2017
SUMMARY: Liverpool fans watching Salah, Mané & Firmino in attack like…?? pic.twitter.com/fkBEdIskQb
— SPORF (@Sporf) August 12, 2017
Mo Salah has had the debut from hell so far. He’s been awful in front of goal, no composure at all. Shades of the Chelsea reject Salah.
— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) August 12, 2017
