Two second-half goals saw Liverpool crash out of the Carabao Cup against Leicester City.

Shinji Okazaki put the hosts ahead just 15 minutes after the interval with a scrappy finish that placed Jurgen Klopp’s side on the back foot.

The Reds went down further in their surprise third-round exit when Islam Slimani rifled home an unstoppable shot to put the tie beyond reach.

Here are the key talking points from the King Power Stadium:

Changes were a necessary evil

 

A tepid first half left most fans feeling cold as a much-changed Liverpool lacked the quality to break an equally rotated Leicester side down.

However this competition meant least to the Reds in the grander scheme.

With another trip to the King Power preceding a lengthy trip to Moscow next Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp took the most pragmatic approach to this game.

It also gave Danny Ward a run out and despite conceding twice, he was at fault for neither goal and dominated his area throughout.

The Wales international may not necessarily be the long term answer to Liverpool’s goalkeeping question but he’s certainly food for thought.

Coutinho’s role shows on and off the pitch

 

Philippe Coutinho was again central to all that Liverpool did in the first half.

It proved his absolute superiority with several passes to Andy Robertson and Dominic Solanke that created chances the visitors were not able to take.

The mercurial Brazilian’s importance was further amplified after the break when he was surprisingly replaced at half time by Ben Woodburn.

This is not to say that Woodburn performed poorly but the difference in quality showed as Leicester snuffed out Liverpool attacks with greater ease.

Robertson has to be first choice

 

Coutinho was not the only stand-out performer in the first half.

Much like his team mate, Robertson was superb, driving forward at will and continually looking a threat with the ball at his feet.

In addition to this, he was sound defensively, with few chances coming down his flank despite a limited attacking threat following Coutinho’s departure.

If there was still any debate as to which player should become Klopp’s first choice at left-back, Alberto Moreno is fighting a losng battle.

Ings’ return offers Reds new options

 

An evening of very few bright spots, Danny Ings’ long-awaited return to the fold was a heartening sight for the travelling Liverpool support.

Although he had little time to make an impact on this particular match, he still nearly snatched an equaliser almost immediately after entering the pitch.

There is an argument to be made that if the strongest options of front three are not available then Klopp’s side become a bit limited up front.

But Ings’ timely return should at least ensure that Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are able to be given rests more frequently.