Abysmal Liverpool player was even more to blame than Virgil van Dijk for Reds' Man City capitulation - opinion

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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 errors are beginning to pile up… 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 chancesEkitike’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.Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Pep Lijnders has some explaining to do for Liverpool fans as touchline antics spotted during FA Cup defeatFrom the moment Ekitike leant back and slammed over the bar, every Liverpool supporter no doubt had that sinking feeling once again.

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. 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.