Liverpool and Watford drew 3-3 at Vicarage Road on Saturday, August 12. Here are all the highlights from the match.
Liverpool were the worst versions of themselves in the first half of their season-opener against Watford, conceding two goals thanks to all-too familiar lapses in defensive focus.
The first came within 10 minutes, as Stefano Okako headed in a Jose Holebas corner unmarked from six yards out. Simon Mignolet got his body behind the ball but couldn’t come up with a save.
Liverpool dominated possession before and after going behind, but struggled to break the Hornets down. Their creative struggles only made Philippe Coutinho’s absence more conspicuous. The Brazilian missed the match with a back injury, but is also the subject of intense transfer interest from Barcelona.
Jurgen Klopp’s side did eventually find a way back into the game through Sadio Mane, who combined well with Alberto Moreno and Emre Can at the top of the box before finishing into the top corner.
But they were level for only two minutes, as more sloppy defending allowed Tom Cleverley space down the right to cross. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s clearance rebounded off his teammate, Joel Matip, and fell to the feet of Abdoulaye Doucoure, who finished easily from close range.
Marco Silva’s side were well worth their lead in the first half, but faced a rejuvenated Liverpool in the second, and sacrificed their second lead of the match in the 55th minute. The Reds’ new signing, Mohamed Salah made his first positive contribution in the match, beating Heurelho Gomes to a through ball to win his side a penalty, dispatched into the bottom left corner by Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool’s attack came to life after that, and they took the lead only three minutes later. Dejan Lovren found Firmino in behind, before the Brazilian’s chip was converted at the back post by Salah. The Reds went close again shortly after, when Lovren hit the bar with a header.
But the away sides failure to convert their chances in the second half came back to haunt them, as Watford scored a late equalizer in injury time. Again Liverpool failed to convincingly defend a corner, and Miguel Britos was able to tap in from close range from Richarlison’s pass.
Next: Liverpool Season Preview
Highlights
https://twitter.com/HCTviews/status/896362420591104001
Liverpool were much improved in the second half, but will be deeply disappointed with the three goals they conceded, especially the two from set pieces. The questions that plagued the Reds all through last season remain.