Carabao Cup 2017/18: Leicester City 2-0 Liverpool, 5 talking points
Goals: Shinji Okazaki 65', Islam Slimani 78'
Liverpool crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the first time of asking as the Reds went down 2-0 against Leicester City in the third round. Both sides made a number of changes to their starting lineup with Jurgen Klopp making as many as eight changes to the side that drew against Burnley. Liverpool were the better side in the first half, creating a number of chances and enjoying a healthy share of the ball.
But the Foxes stayed in the game and changed the course of the match through some inspired substitutions in the second half. Two goals after the hour mark meant Leicester progressed into the next round whereas Liverpool missed out on yet another chance to win a trophy. On that note, let's take a look at the five crucial talking points from a hugely disappointing defeat for Liverpool at the King Power stadium:
#1 A defeat in the Liverpool Way
This type of performance which was on show at the King Power last night has gone on to become a recurring theme for Jurgen Klopp and his men. Dominating the game, creating a ton of chances, enjoying a majority of the possession but failing to get on the end of a chance; with less talked about the defence the better.
Liverpool have attempted 87 shots in their last five matches. 87 SHOTS. 3 goals have been scored from them and 10 conceded at the other end. This tells the story of where Liverpool have proved to be inferior to the other top teams in the league. Barring the freak result against Manchester City, Liverpool have played exceedingly well against Sevilla, Burnley and now Leicester City but the results are in front of us.
Speaking about the defence, the back four committed the same mistakes which saw the likes of Burnley and Sevilla capitalise. Questions now have to be raised about the tactical regime at Melwood because the defenders are making the same schoolboy mistakes in the set piece and throw in situations.