Victory that looks like a mirage? The reasons behind Liverpool's poor form and agonising victory

Liverpool came back to win at Anfield, this time against Newcastle, but in a very different way to last Saturday's 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth. This time, on the stroke of the whistle, Fabio Carvalho rescued an agonising victory for Jurgen Klopp's side.

In the 38th minute, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak put the upon Tyne side in front, while Firmino equalised in the 61st minute after several misses and approaches from Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Co. had failed to penetrate the visitors' defence.

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This win seems to be more of a mirage, after what we saw the previous Saturday against weak Bournemouth, we expected German Klopp's side to respond with a win without so much trouble at Anfield, instead we got back to an opening day side that drew against Fulham and Crystal Palace, and suffered a painful defeat against Manchester United.

The reasons

One of the reasons for Liverpool's poor form, who are seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, is the injury crisis they have suffered and the lack of a consistent, starting midfield to help them capitalise on more goalscoring options going forward. In addition, the defence has had several lapses, despite fighting for the ball.

Sloppiness, a series of turnovers and at times a lack of attitude from some players have led Liverpool to fall well short of expectations this season after finishing runners-up in the Champions League and taking the Community Shield against Manchester City, who are a close second to Arsenal on 13 points.