Chiesa concern for Slot

The clock was ticking down as Federico Chiesa picked up the ball on the left edge of the area and floated a deep cross to nobody in particular. Cue the Italian flailing his arms in anger.

A snapshot of Liverpool’s frustration at a horribly misfiring attacking effort, it perhaps also reflected Chiesa’s exasperation at his own performance.

Given only a third start for the Reds, the forward produced a genuine stinker, flitting from right flank to left with ever-decreasing results. The effort was there but negated by too many wrong decisions, too little quality. The clamour among supporters for more regular inclusion will surely be muted as a consequence.

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Worryingly for Slot, Chiesa wasn’t alone. Luis Diaz ran down a succession of dead ends, Diogo Jota was barely involved until seeing a shot saved late on while the more Harvey Elliott tried, the less effective he became.

Elliott’s daft handball for the deciding penalty meant he became indirectly responsible for successive FA Cup eliminations having lost the ball to prompt Manchester United’s decisive late counter-attack in last season’s quarter-final.

Of course, every player is allowed an off-day. But this was an appalling collective failure on a afternoon when Arne Slot wanted pressure put on those who remained at home. They can, and must, do better. Liverpool are still going to need them.

Endo steps up as Reds sweat on Gomez

The last time Liverpool were in these parts, it took a rare goal from Lucas Leiva, skipper for the occasion, to see off the challenge of Plymouth Argyle.

It was probably asking a bit much for Joe Gomez to follow suit given he has yet to trouble the scoresheet throughout a senior career that is now into its second decade.

But the centre-back would have expected to last more than the 11 minutes he managed before frustratingly having to depart due to a fresh injury setback.

It prompted Wataru Endo to drop into centre-back alongside Jarell Quansah. And once again the Japan international, who was celebrating his 32nd birthday, led by example with a composed display.

Despite lacking many inches against the man-mountains of the Plymouth attack, Endo demonstrated his excellent timing in the air while his positioning provided much-needed cover as Liverpool pushed men forward during the final stages.

Slot will hope Gomez isn’t facing a lengthy absence given the intensity of fixtures over the next six weeks, even if Quansah was steady here. Endo, though, continues to show he is the man for an emergency.

Youngsters find it tough

Ask any Academy coach, and they’ll say breaking into the senior team is only the first step for any fledgling youngster. Making the most of that opportunity is the true challenge.

And there were mixed experiences for Liverpool’s next generation of hopefuls here.

Trey Nyoni, the 17-year-old midfielder, was given a second Reds start but, after an encouraging opening, largely disappeared from the first half following a harsh booking. There was at least greater involvement after the break, particularly in possession.

Isaac Mabaya’s introduction after Gomez’s injury gave the 20-year-old right-back an unexpected debut. One silly booking apart – that Arne Slot admitted contributed to his later substitution – Mabaya was not overawed.

It was, though, a bit of an ask for 18-year-old winger Trent Kone-Doherty to make his senior bow playing in an unrecognisable midfield that also included Elliott and Jota, although there were some flashes of why he is regarded highly at Kirkby.

But James McConnell again justified the faith shown in him by Slot despite being rotated between central midfield and right-back during the match.