New goalkeeper required

The January transfer window will open in just over a week. Jurgen Klopp needs to finally resolve Liverpool FC’s long-running problem between the sticks. The Reds haven’t had a reliable goalkeeper since Pepe Reina. Brendan Rodgers’ decision to push the Spanish goalkeeper towards the exit door has contributed to Liverpool’s woes in goal.

Simon Mignolet was signed as his replacement in 2013. But the Belgian goalkeeper has never convinced. He is far too inconsistent.

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The 29-year-old was at fault for Granit Xhaka’s second goal which helped Arsenal to build momentum in their crazy five-minute spell. He lacks presence in the Liverpool goal, which has to contribute to a lack of confidence in Klopp’s back four. Only Manchester City have scored more goals than Liverpool in the Premier League this season. Indeed, Klopp’s defence has undermined the efforts of the Reds’ ‘fab four’.

Mane decision making

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool FC’s standout performer in the Premier League this season with 15 goals in 19 games. But it’s easy to forget Sadio Mane was talked up as Liverpool FC’s key player back in August. The Senegal international scored three times in three Premier League games.

However, the 24-year-old’s season has pivoted on his red card in a 5-0 loss to Manchester City. The suspension disrupted his momentum before the winger suffered a hamstring problem on international duty in October.

Mane’s decision-making has been poor in recent weeks, and that could be attributed to a lack of confidence. The Senegal forward failed to square to Roberto Firmino or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to deny Liverpool FC the chance to extend their 1-0 lead against Everton.

The Reds ended up being held to a 1-1 derby stalemate. On Friday night, Mane had another flashpoint where he attempted an ambition overhead kick rather than square the ball to Salah with the Arsenal defence out of position before half-time. Perhaps Mane needs a sustained run in the Liverpool FC team to rediscover his rhythm and improve his decision-making.

Lack of control

Liverpool should have seen out a Premier League win given their 2-0 lead. However, the Reds relinquished control of the top-flight clash. Arsenal scored three goals in five minutes. Joe Gomez was at fault for Alexis Sanchez’s header after some weak defending.

Mignolet should have done better with Xhaka’s long-range strike. With the score at 2-2, Liverpool were in disarray. Unsurprisingly, Mesut Ozil made it 3-2 to cap a crazy spell. Most Liverpool fans could have predicted this collapse would happen after Sanchez’s effort.

It’s a reoccurring theme this season. Fortunately Roberto Firmino rescued a point but Liverpool haven’t learned their lessons from a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sevilla back in November. Klopp lacks a leader in his team to communicate with his team-mates and avoid panic spreading throughout the XI.

James Milner urged Liverpool to become “boring” following the six-goal thriller. Whether it’s a question of being boring or learning how to control games, Klopp and his players can have no excuse. This is a problem that needs addressing ahead of the return of the Champions League and bigger Premier League games to come.