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Liverpool Echo

Sport

Hannah Pinnock

'Hasn't worked out' - Arsene Wenger pinpoints key reason for Liverpool struggles

Arsene Wenger Jurgen Klopp Sadio Mane Brighton (Organization) Darwin Nunez Fabinho Manchester United

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his view on why Liverpool are struggling for form this season and thinks Sadio Mane's departure has played a part.

The Reds' disappointing start to the campaign continued on Saturday with a poor display at Anfield that saw them 2-0 down after 20 minutes against Brighton. A hard-fought comeback was then undone as the visitors drew level late on to secure a 3-3 draw.

Jurgen Klopp's side have struggled to get up and running in every competition so far and Wenger has highlighted the fact Darwin Nunez is yet to settle in the side and there's a Sadio Mane-shaped hole in the squad.

READ MORE: 'This is what happens' - Liverpool fans say the same thing as Man City run riot vs Manchester United

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp fumes at Fabinho as Liverpool sent X-rated transfer message

"It's difficult to understand," he told beIN Sports. "They have the same core (group of players), same type of game.

"They are less efficient in winning the ball back than before. Nunez, at the moment, hasn't worked out for them and they made a big investment. He's sitting on the bench.

"They lost Mane, who was a top level, big game player. He had something (about him), aggressive attitude and determination. He'd score no matter what happens, he'd make things happen.

"It's difficult to measure how much (his departure) takes away. They miss something they had before."

Liverpool have collected just 10 points out of a possible 21 so far this term, winning just two league games, drawing four and losing one (to Manchester United back in August). In the Champions League, they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away at Napoli, but secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Ajax before the international break to get up and running in the group.

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