Liverpool stray from Klopp's vision... and chalk up another 'f***ing' unforgettable defeat

Liverpool played themselves into a first defeat in five fixtures after betraying their ‘fighting football’ principles at Newcastle.

Jurgen Klopp puffed his cheeks on the sidelines in resignation as the Reds displayed none of the intensity and dynamism that has been a trademark of their recent away showings. Premier League trips to Stoke, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City couldn’t floor Liverpool, but they fell flat against Steve McClaren’s men.

The visitors’ non-performance encouraged Newcastle, who sensed that an upset was not only possible, but very likely. It was meant to be an evening where Liverpool made up ground on both Manchester clubs as well as Tottenham, but all it offered was a crash back to reality.

Last week, Klopp admitted he couldn’t get the “f***ing loss” to Crystal Palace out of his head and he’ll also now struggle to shake the shambles on Tyneside. The 2-0 defeat stands as undoubtedly the worst performance of the 48-year-old’s tenure.

The Merseysiders will feel aggrieved by some of the decisions, especially a perfectly legitimate Alberto Moreno goal which was incorrectly flagged offside, but it was their own deficiencies denied them another away triumph.