Liverpool were dealt a harsh reality check over the weekend as they suffered a disappointing and highly controversial 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Anfield.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game, turning home a brilliant low cross from Declan Rice to end Liverpool’s impressive streak and derail their momentum.
The Reds had built a head of steam coming into the game after winning five games in a row across all competitions.
They also booked a place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals after eliminating Chelsea on penalties.
Andoni Iraola’s side welcomed the Premier League champions brimming with confidence, but they’ll feel the scoreline didn’t properly reflect how the game panned out.
While Liverpool produced a solid performance against the title holders, a few key players failed to turn up, including big-money summer signing Bradley Barcola.
The Frenchman put in arguably his worst shift since joining Liverpool in a staggering £106 million deal.
Deployed on the left side of Liverpool’s attack, Barcola struggled to threaten the Arsenal backline and was a bystander for 90 minutes.
Surprisingly, Iraola decided against taking him off, but the France international never looked like sparking into life at any point in the game.
Barcola had fewer touches (57) than Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya (62) and failed to deliver an accurate cross despite trying four times.
He had just one shot all game, completed three of his six attempted dribbles, and lost possession 21 times.
He also won just five of his 15 ground duels, one of his three aerial battles, committed one error leading to a shot, and capped off his atrocious performance with a yellow card.
Iraola must consider benching Barcola for the coming Champions League trip to Fenerbahce, particularly with Rio Ngumoha proving he’s ready to take his place.
The ‘special’ talent did more for Liverpool in his 23-minute cameo against Arsenal than Barcola managed all game and should be rewarded with a spot in the starting line-up on Wednesday.