Liverpool’s Champions League campaign is still waiting for lift-off after they failed to overcome Spartak Moscow in an entertaining 1-1 draw in Russia on Tuesday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated the play and peppered the Spartak goal with 16 shots as attackers Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Coutinho were fielded together in the same game for the first time.
The latter two combined for Coutinho to equalise with his splendidly taken first Champions League goal after Fernando’s free-kick had managed to evade recalled goalkeeper Loris Karius.
But Liverpool ultimately left Moscow frustrated as they were made to pay for a lack of ruthlessness that left Klopp bemoaning their need to be more clinical.
Nevertheless, the Merseysiders are equal second in Group E and are next in action against Portugese minnows Maribor on 17th October.
There were some enduring themes as Liverpool’s mixed start to the season continued but also many new things for Klopp to ponder on the long flight home.
Click below for the three things we learned from the trip to Moscow, including why it is time to axe one of the front four for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle…