KEY POINTS

  • Jordan Henderson was left frustrated as Liverpool lost Wednesday
  • It was Liverpool's second straight loss at home in the league
  • Liverpool will next take on Manchester City Sunday

Liverpool FC skipper Jordan Henderson was reportedly overheard criticizing Xherdan Shaqiri during their home Premier League match against Brighton. The Reds lost the match 1-0 Wednesday night.

At the half-time break at Anfield, Shaqiri was on the receiving end of Henderson’s frustrations as the skipper was unhappy with the player’s lack of movement in the field, claimed broadcaster beIn Sports’ reporter Matt Critchley, who was present at the stadium.

Shaqiri has struggled to receive opportunities on the field across the last two seasons, making only seven appearances the previous term in his side’s Premier League title-winning campaign. However, having been injured several times along with hectic scheduling, Shaqiri has started four of their last five league matches in the ongoing season.

Unfortunately for Shaqiri, things did not click against Brighton as the Swiss star managed to complete only 31 passes, meaning he hardly got on the ball throughout his 64 minutes on the pitch and that is not good enough for an attacking player.

In the first half, Henderson did find Mohamed Salah behind to create Liverpool’s best chance of the game but the Egyptian King failed to convert it as Liverpool ended on the losing side. After being unbeaten for 68 straight league matches at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp-managed Liverpool have now suffered two consecutive losses at home in the Premier League.

Brighton's Steven Alzate (2L) celebrates scoring at Liverpool
Brighton's Steven Alzate (2L) celebrates scoring at Liverpool POOL / PHIL NOBLE

Having fallen seven points behind leaders Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, Liverpool’s title defense has taken a major hit. Liverpool’s next match in the 2020-21 Premier League is against Pep Guardiola’s side and it won’t be an easy one for the reigning champions.

"Any game against Man City is a big one. As this moment stands, we're not in the title race. We are seven points behind them and they have a game in hand. You have to give [Brighton] credit for playing well. They created chances, pressed us, did everything we wanted to do. We didn't really do anything of note. With a long record of going unbeaten, we've lost two. When you don't show up you don't get results. We're still a good team. We don't turn into a bad team overnight, " a dejected Andy Robertson said after Liverpool’s loss to Brighton Wednesday night.

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