It was a problem Jurgen Klopp inherited but wasted no time in properly addressing. But now, as he prepares to hand over the reins, the issue has once again become a cause for concern. The indifferent record against their main rivals has been one of the nagging doubts throughout a campaign in which their title challenge fizzled out during the past month.
Many have traced the turning point back to the draw at Manchester United at the start of April, when side dominated the hosts during a one-sided first half but ultimately needed a late penalty to snatch a 2-2 draw. There had been a similar story earlier in the campaign at Anfield when a succession of missed opportunities allowed United to escape down the other end of the East Lancs Road with a barely-merited point from a goalless stalemate. That United also eliminated Liverpool from the in March in similar confusing fashion with Klopp's side having been by some distance the better team further exposed the issue.
For whatever reasons, the Reds have too often not been able to put away their traditional top-six opponents. Yes, there were notable victories at Arsenal in the FA Cup third round and, of course, Chelsea in the final. But in terms of Premier League matches, Liverpool's win over Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday meant they have won only two of 10 games in the top flight this term against Manchester sides City and United and London trio Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
The Reds have taken just 12 points from those games to st.
