Three talking points from Liverpool's 3-0 loss to Watford

Firmino far from firm Kop favourite

Roberto Firmino may have amazed alongside Philippe Coutinho in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory at Manchester City in November, but the Brazil international has failed to kick on from that performance. The South American scored one goal and teed up team-mate Coutinho in the rout at The Etihad. But he has been disappointing in the absence of his compatriot when Liverpool needed his creativity, and even Coutinho’s return to the side for their trip to Watford couldn’t rekindle Firmino’s City performance. In fact, the 24-year-old failed to register a single shot on target, create any chances for his colleagues, or take on a Watford opponent. A big improvement is required - and fast - from the £29m summer signing.

Benteke’s future uncertain?

It increasingly looks like Jurgen Klopp doesn’t fancy Christian Benteke. The Belgium international started Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Watford on the bench. While the £32.5m signing was brought on in the second half, he had a minimal impact on the outcome of the game. Benteke has started just six games since Klopp took over the reins from Brendan Rodgers. And even Divock Origi appears to be ahead of Big Ben in the pecking order. Benteke has scored four times in 14 Premier League games, which is a reasonable return from the towering striker. But for now, he appears to have a future as an impact substitute and not a first-choice striker.

Same old problems in goal

News of Simon Mignolet’s absence through injury may have been viewed as a positive for some Liverpool fans. He hasn’t convinced as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper since his £9m move from Sunderland in 2013. In recent weeks, Mignolet has struggled to deal with crosses at set-pieces. So the irony wasn’t lost on Liverpool supporters when his replacement Adam Bogdan had “a Mignolet” inside three minutes at Vicarage Road. He was signed to provide Mignolet with tougher competition for the No1 spot than Brad Jones did. But on his first Premier League start, Bogdan didn’t convince. Klopp is adamant that he won’t sign a goalkeeper in January, but at the moment, his shot-stoppers are costing him points. But he will hopefully reverse this decision after the performance of his goalkeepers in recent weeks.