14 March 2023 , 15:00
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Robin Hood famously took from the rich and gave to the poor - something Liverpool seemed to once take inspiration from.
Early in Jurgen Klopp's tenure, the Reds had no problem getting themselves up for big games, especially at Anfield. But the encounters at some of the sides facing relegation always somehow proved more problematic, which subsequently stifled any potential title challenges.
In the years since they quickly addressed those issues and have claimed regular silverware. But this year, old habits have crept back in. There seems to be a bit of the early-Klopp-Liverpool about this side, despite it being almost eight years into the German's reign on Merseyside.
It was best summed up by their performances over the past week. A record demolition of Manchester United at Anfield saw the Kop revel in a 7-0 victory. Several of those supporters will have made the 261 mile trip to the south coast six days later, only to see a Bournemouth side, threatened by relegation, pull off a 1-0 win.
Early problems
It was a defeat at Bournemouth in December 2016 that really fed the narrative surrounding Liverpool's struggles against the perceived lesser sides. Whether it was their willingness to sit back and absorb pressure, or simply take the occasion less seriously than they would against the likes of United, Chelsea et al it still remains to be seen.
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The 2016/17 campaign, Klopp's first full season as Liverpool boss, saw the Reds finish in the top four and record wins against champions Chelsea, second place Tottenham, third place Manchester City and fifth place Arsenal. Their internal record against the top six, in fact, saw them go unbeaten all year.
Liverpool have long excelled in the big gamesThat is certainly the foundation on which a title bid can be built. Instead, though, the Reds slipped up time and time again against those sides trying to avoid the drop. Of their six defeats that year, five of them came against teams in the bottom half.
Their season began with a 4-3 win at Arsenal before they lost 2-0 at newly promoted Burnley. That more or less sums it all up. They went on to lose at Hull, who would eventually go down, and be beaten at Anfield by Swansea and Crystal Palace.
Liverpool's loss at Bournemouth, during which they led 3-1 before losing 4-3, saw Klopp issue an interesting post-match comment. He said: "It doesn't feel too good right now but sometimes we need it. Of course this can help us. No road is without rocks and stones."
Hull, who were relegated, were among the teams to beat Liverpool in Klopp's first full seasonThe road would eventually see them become champions just over three years later, having won the Champions League the season prior to that. Klopp had turned the Reds into a relentless winning machine, but this year cracks have again started to appear.
A familiar problem
The reverse at Bournemouth on Saturday was further evidence of the rebuild needed on Merseyside. A summer of transition is expected with Liverpool set to be busy in the market, but a mindset shift around the big games vs those less fashionable ones could also be on the agenda.
Klopp's side are currently fighting to make the top four, but if they fail to do so their results against the teams around them are unlikely to be the issue. City have been beaten at Anfield, as have United in spectacular fashion.
A recent win over Newcastle at St James' Park completed the double over the high-flying Magpies. Tottenham have been beaten in north London too.
Liverpool have struggled against teams in the bottom half (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)It is when you look at the bottom end of the table, that you see Liverpool's major issue. For starters, all three of the promoted sides have taken points off the Reds. One of those, Fulham, are challenging for Europe, but Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are both fighting relegation.
In fact, six of the bottom nine teams have been able to take something away from games against Liverpool. Once a daunting prospect, taking on the Reds now genuinely provides something for those in desperate need of points.
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Palace, who are without a win in ten games, recently took a point off the Reds having also drawn with them this term at Anfield. Wolves, now enjoying something of a revival, beat Liverpool 3-0 last month. Everton held out for a draw earlier this season whilst Leeds secured their only away win of the season at Anfield. It brought to an end Liverpool's record of not losing at home in front of fans in the league since well before the pandemic.
As Klopp attempted to explain their latest loss at Bournemouth he explained: "This game was a massive knock and how it is with knocks, you have to take them, you have to have a look how big the scars are and then you go from there." Where Liverpool now go from here, could be crucial if they are to get back to the heights recently experienced.