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Loris Karius should do better with Spartak Moscow goal, says Phil Thompson

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius in Champions League action
Image: Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius replaced Simon Mignolet in the starting XI

Phil Thompson insists Loris Karius "should have done better" to keep out Spartak Moscow's goal in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Fernando struck a free-kick after 23 minutes in Moscow, though Karius will feel he could have got to the ball, which flew a few yards inside the right-hand post.

Karius, who replaced Simon Mignolet in Jurgen Klopp's starting line up, did not have much else to do, with Liverpool dominating their Group E Champions League clash.

Jurgen Klopp got his tactics wrong against Leicester, says Tim Sherwood
Image: Jurgen Klopp's side dominated in Moscow

Thompson said on Soccer Special: "They've had two attempts, one from the free-kick which they scored, and one from another shot which Karius blocked. But for the goal, the goalkeeper should do much better.

"Fernando puts it over the wall, yes with pace, but it's not even at the side, it's gone sort of four yards inside the post. I think he moves his feet far too late, so you'd have to say it's a goalkeeping error yet again."

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Liverpool had 16 shots in total to Moscow's four, and had many chances in both halves to get a second goal.

Daniel Sturridge and Mohamed Salah missed clear chances late on, and having drawn their opening group game against Sevilla, Thomspon said the Reds will be kicking themselves not to get their first win.

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Roberto Firmino of Liverpool reacts to missing a chance during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Spartak Moskow
Image: Roberto Firmino reacts to another missed chnace

"I would have to say the final ball at times let them down. Too much weight on it, not crossing it early enough, or putting the ball behind players when they had chances.

"This is a massive two points dropped. I think these were the top pick in Pot 1, and you think my goodness, Liverpool have just absolutely steamrolled them from start to finish.

"They will be kicking themselves in that dressing room, with 68 per cent possession away from home."

Speaking on The Debate on Tuesday night, Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel says Liverpool's goalkeeping situation needs addressing, and also says Mignolet breeds insecurity into the defence.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet
Image: Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet 'breeds insecurity' into the defence, says Peter Schmeichel

"He brings Karius in, who apparently has a reputation of being close to Manuel Neuer, he's played a few games and he doesn't play well. So, Jurgen Klopp has to go back to Simon Mignolet, who actually is playing OK.

"I think he's improved. But he's not that guy that controls the back four. He's not that guy that saves them 10-12 points a season. He does save them points, but he gives them away - he nearly did that against Leicester but ended up winning it with the penalty save.

"That's the insecurity he breeds into the Liverpool defence. And the defenders are spreading even more insecurity."

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