Peter Crouch thinks Roberto Firmino needs to “step up” if Liverpool are to have a chance of retaining the Premier League title.
Having gone unbeaten for almost four years at home in the league, Klopp’s side have now lost back-to-back matches at Anfield with Brighton repeating Burnley’s 1-0 victory of a fortnight ago thanks to a first Premier League goal from Steven Alzate.
Liverpool have now failed to score in three consecutive home league games for the first time since October 1984 – not the run required heading into a home game against Manchester City on Sunday.
OPINION: No creativity, no fight and no hope of a title defence…
They have won just two of the last eight league matches and it has left them fourth, seven points behind the Premier League leaders, who have a match in hand.
And Crouch thinks Liverpool striker Firmino needs to score more goals to relieve the burden on top scorer Mo Salah.
Speaking on BT Sport, Crouch said: “There’s an over-reliance on Salah, Firmino’s got to step up. It felt like he’s coming back into it. But Salah is the one scoring the goals, he’s still got 20-goals and we’re talking about him not being on top form.
“He’s a top-class player but with Mane missing, Jota as well. It was a shame when Jota got injured because he was really pushing them to start. But when Salah’s not on it or he misses chances, I just don’t think there’s enough when Mane’s out and Jota’s out in the team to score goals.”
Crouch added: “It’s a crazy season, I know people will say it’s a cliche but it’s been nuts.
“Liverpool will get players back so they will go on a run, we can’t discount Manchester United and Leicester have been fantastic, another win for them tonight, they’ve got so many good players. But City are strong favourites.”
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