Liverpool Fan View: Thrilling in attack but giving Jurgen Klopp nightmares in defence

More defensive mistakes

Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez returned to the Liverpool side for the visit of Sevilla, while Loris Karius replaced Simon Mignolet in goal. It was more defensive changes from Jurgen Klopp, who has regularly alternated his back four. Lovren has made a shaky start to the 2017-18 campaign with a mistake at Hoffenheim. The Croatia international was at fault again on Wednesday night. Lovren missed a simple clearance to allow Wissam Ben Yedder to score for Sevilla in the fifth minute. The 28-year-old was erratic throughout and the former Southampton defender is a player lacking confidence. His uncertain performances look to be affecting Joel Matip, too.

Moreno impresses

Alberto Moreno was one big positive for Liverpool. The Spanish defender could have done better for Sevilla’s opening goal. It is perhaps unfair to ask Moreno to anticipate Lovren’s mistake, though. Coming up against his former club, Moreno impressed going forward as he proved a persistent menace down the left wing. Indeed, the former Sevilla defender broke past the opposition defence to flash a ball across the goal for Roberto Firmino to tap in. Moreno continued to wade forward to support Mane. The 25-year-old was a tad fortunate to avoid a red card for a second bookable offence for a reckless challenge. Moreno escaped another yellow cad and can reflect on what has been a decent start to the season for the Spanish defender.

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Liverpool’s attack thrills – again

While Liverpool’s defence isn’t up to Champions League standards, Klopp’s attack is surely one of the best in Europe’s premier club competition. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah carved Hoffenheim’s defence open at will in their previous Champions League game at Anfield. The trio were at it again on Wednesday night. Firmino and Salah both scored their second goals for the current Champions League campaign. Mane looked the most dangerous of the trio despite failing to get on the score sheet as the Senegal international showed no signs of a hangover. As Chelsea legend Frank Lampard said post-match, Liverpool’s attack will give the competition’s best defences a headache.

Coutinho return

Philippe Coutinho made his return to competitive action shortly after Sevilla’s equaliser in the 72nd minute. It was good to see the Liverpool fans give their number 10 a warm welcome. Coutinho hadn’t featured in Liverpool’s opening six games of the campaign after handing in a transfer request last month. The Reds managed to see off Barcelona’s interest and Coutinho certainly showed no signs of resentment. The Brazilian midfielder looked to get on the ball and find his team-mates with a defence-splitting pass. While his work rate was certainly present, the 25-year-old will need a couple of games to get up to speed.

Group E all square

Liverpool will be disappointed with just a point from their Champions League opener. However, in the context of the group, it was a good result. Sevilla are Liverpool’s biggest rivals in Group E, having beaten the Reds in the Europa League final in 2016. The fact that Spartak Moscow could only draw 1-1 with Maribor is good news for Liverpool ahead of their trip to Russia. A win against Spartak Moscow and consecutive victories over Maribor could see the Reds in the knockout round before their return trip to Sevilla.