To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Liverpool exited the FA Cup in disastrous fashion after a shocking performance against Manchester City on Saturday.
The Reds actually started well at the Etihad Stadium, carving out big opportunities for both Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, who both failed to capitalise.
But while Liverpool‘s good work was soon undone by a ridiculous penalty concession by Virgil van Dijk, it was Ekitike who was most to blame for the Reds’ inevitable collapse. The first-half chance he blazed over James Trafford’s bar could have shifted the momentum.
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Manchester City v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Just as he has been doing far, far too often lately, though, the Frenchman missed the target, and with a little help from Van Dijk, the pendulum swung City’s way.
Ekitike must start taking his chances
Ekitike’s chance at the Etihad was not the easiest he has missed in recent times, and some would even argue that it was not a big chance at all.
But a top striker simply has to be hitting the target from there. The ball fell so nicely onto his right foot at a perfect height for him to hit it.
Had Liverpool taken the lead, they could of course have relinquished it, but it would have given them confidence at a time where they looked very much City’s equals.
Hugo Ekitike reacts after missing a chance for Liverpool during the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
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From the moment Ekitike leant back and slammed over the bar, every Liverpool supporter no doubt had that sinking feeling once again. A big chance missed. We knew the rest.
Sadly, Ekitike has lacked that killer instinct all season long. You can point the finger at Van Dijk for his error and the midfield for leaving Liverpool far too open, but the Reds’ problems have stemmed from missing chances all season long. On Saturday, Ekitike was at it again.
Ekitike needs to improve his mentality
It was not only for his finishing which Ekitike deserved criticism on Saturday.
Bizarrely, the France international swapped shirts with countryman Rayan Cherki when both were taken off as substitutes in the second-half.
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Manchester City v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Cherki putting the Liverpool shirt on while sat on the bench was tone deaf in itself, but it also showcased just how little the defeat mattered to Ekitike.
In times of need, Liverpool supporters want to see their team step up and show some fight. This was the polar opposite of that.
Ekitike has had plenty of credit for some good work this season, but it’s this kind of thing – and some errant finishing – which show he has a lot to learn as a Liverpool player.
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