Where does Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp turn to after that Burnley reality check?

Following a very promising result at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago, you could say that some Liverpool fans became a bit ambitious for the season ahead.

There were many claims that this year was going to finally be our year, something football fans have heard time and time again.

Yes, the 4-3 victory over the Gunners was a promising result. Philippe Coutinho showed once again how crucial he is to the team with two sublime goals, the first an early contender for Goal of the Season.

Sadio Mane also showed flashes of why Liverpool splashed the cash on him with pacey runs and a fantastic fourth goal.

However, many people remember the goals Liverpool scored, but forget the ones they let in. The Reds were facing up against a below average Arsenal side; one without Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. Despite this, Jurgen Klopp’s men still shipped three goals, all of which could have been stopped had the defence switched on, in particular Alberto Moreno.

The Spanish left-back has come under fire in recent weeks, with fans wondering why manager Klopp hasn’t yet replaced a player who many see as more of a left winger than a full-back due to his unpredictability in defence.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved Moreno’s blushes after he conceded a first-half penalty, which Theo Walcott missed. However, the Englishman found acres of space in Moreno’s left-back position to slot home moments later.

The back five has been an issue for Liverpool in recent seasons and new additions haven’t been able to solve their problems. Loris Karius looked like a promising replacement for the inconsistent Mignolet, only for the Liverpool injury curse to strike as the German broke his hand a week before the start of the new campaign.

Reds ‘keeper Mignolet palmed away Walcott’s spot-kick on the opening day of the 2016/17 season – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan have also been brought in to replace Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure, but the frailties are still visible.

And so going into the game against Burnley, many would’ve doubted the Reds’ consistency, and they were right to. A dominant display couldn’t be matched with a host of goals as the Reds only hit the target five times from 23 shots, none of which beat Tom Heaton.

At the other end, Klopp’s biggest challenge became apparent. Burnley’s two shots on target resulted in goals, meaning the Claret’s left Turf Moor 2-0 winners.

Liverpool’s players and fans have come back down to earth with a bang. This will easily be the most competitive Premier League season for many years, and Liverpool will have to win those types of matches if they want to challenge. Failing to beat teams like Burnley in the past has been the club’s biggest problem.

It has appeared that since he took over, Klopp has been the dream boss for many fans. He is untouchable, unbreakable. But now the German faces his biggest test in his first full season in charge. The most important step now is for the side to forget the last game and look forward to Spurs.

Left-back, Moreno, has come under heavy criticism from Liverpool fans regarding his latest performances – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

If they dwell on their defeat and feel sorry for themselves, it’ll result in another defeat and even more pressure added to the boss and his team.

But the pressure that is on the side currently is there for a reason. Liverpool fans expect their side to be challenging for Europe, if not the title. The defensive side of the team needs strengthening, not just patching over. A marquee signing is needed at the back, and due to the vast amount of players sold so far, the club has the money to sign one.

To get back on track and back to winning ways at White Hart Lane, the Reds need to forget Burnley and remember Arsenal, because right now it seems as though we need to have a “if you score three, we’ll score four” mentality to beat teams.