In light of Phillipe Coutinho’s Ill-timed transfer request, Liverpool travelled to Vicarage Road to face Watford and their new manager, Marco Silva.

Stefano Okaka got Watford off to a flying start after 8 minutes, heading in a Watford corner after yet more shambolic marking from Liverpool’s defence during a set piece. The big Target Man headed in with six or seven Liverpool players standing and watching. Liverpool Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet seemingly had it covered before he closed his eyes, let the ball hit him square in the face and then only managed to claw the ball into the side netting.

After a slow start, Liverpool seemed to have gotten a grip of the game, with Sadio Mane finishing a brilliant team move on 29 minutes, only for Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure to level things up 2 minutes later due to more shambolic defending from Dejan Lovren.

In the second half, new signing Mohammed Salah was brought down by Watford keeper Gomes with Roberto Firmino comfortably slotting home from the penalty spot, only for roles to switch with Firmino then setting up Salah for a debut goal on 57 minutes.

All looked to be done and dusted for Liverpool, until two calamitous mistakes, first from Wijnaldum and Second from Mignolet, with the Liverpool stopper palming the ball back over his head onto the crossbar and to the feet of Britos, who’s shot was helped into the back of the net by the hand of Liverpool’s no. 22.

A disappointing performance from Lovren left a lot to be desired, with the Croat failing to live up to his self-generated hype. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alberto Moreno impressed, with the latter having a shot spectacularly saved by Gomes. Liverpool are clearly in need of another midfielder with Lallana and Coutinho injured.

Liverpool fans were rightly outraged at the sides defensive performance.

Heads are now focused on Liverpool’s Tuesday night encounter with TSG Hoffenheim in what is a must win game if the reds want to play any part in the Champions League Group Stage.

✏️ @AnythingLFCSam