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By Ian Whittell

Sport journalist


Alisson absence raises concern for Liverpool defence

Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Adrian enjoyed a memorable full debut in winning the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul, but Southampton will hope his penalty shootout heroics against Chelsea simply masked a broader problem ahead of Saturday's clash at St Mary's.


A Liverpool defence that kept 20 clean sheets in the Premier League alone last season has looked strangely vulnerable in the first two competitive games of the new campaign.

Premier League newcomers Norwich enjoyed a number of chances in the opening game of the season at Anfield, but could only score once and were punished by Jurgen Klopp’s high-octane attack in a 4-1 defeat.

Chelsea also cut through the Liverpool defence too easily for Klopp’s liking in a 2-2 draw after extra-time in Turkey before Adrian stole the headlines with his save from Tammy Abraham after nine successful spot-kicks in the shootout.

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