"Surprisingly lightweight" - Reporter on Liverpool's troubled start to the season

Reporter Miguel Delaney has given his verdict on Liverpool's start to the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

The Reds are yet to secure a victory. Liverpool have only scored three goals in three games. They have also conceded five goals.

Delaney believes that the Reds look "surprisingly lightweight" all over the pitch.

"The Champions League finalists have gone from a fully flowing side who had threats coming from all angles, to a team now facing obstacles everywhere and looking surprisingly lightweight," he told the Independent, as quoted by Anfield Watch.

"One of the most important developments from this start to the season has been opposition apparently working out how to play against (Jurgen) Klopp’s wing-backs. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have for so long been the side’s afterburners.

"(They are) the two players that turned them from a counter-pressing team to an overwhelming team. Now, opposition sides are constantly targeting the space in behind Alexander-Arnold while limiting his scope, with that requiring more defensive work from Robertson.

"Dropping Fabinho (against Manchester United at Old Trafford last night) only added to the problems. He was the only midfield option available who is in his prime. (Jordan) Henderson is past his best while (James) Milner can no longer see it. (Harvey) Elliott, while lively, remains callow. It meant there was no command to Liverpool’s midfield."

Anfield Watch Verdict

We agree with Delaney's opinion. Liverpool competed for the quadruple last season.

But, from what we have seen in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign, the Reds will be lucky to get within touching distance of one trophy.

However, there is still plenty of time left for Klopp and his team to put things right. The Reds are currently without Thiago, Diogo Jota, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip due to respective injuries.

Darwin Nunez is also unavailable for selection due to suspension. So, we do believe that Liverpool will lift their game when they get a few key players back.