Paul Merson highlighted the impact that losing Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah has on Liverpool as they played out to a goalless draw with Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
Liverpool registered just one shot on target as the Gunners played over an hour with 10 men during the semi-final.
Roberto Firmino started alongside Takumi Minamino and Diogo Jota in the absence of Salah and Mane.
Jurgen Klopp doesn't have the luxury of having a squad the size of Manchester City or Chelsea so losing the likes of Salah and Mane has a huge impact.
PLAYER RATINGS: Trent Alexander-Arnold and four others struggle against Arsenal
AS IT HAPPENED: Liverpool vs Arsenal - goal updates, analysis and reaction
"Take two players out of Manchester City, no problem. Take two players out of Chelsea, no problem - take Mane and Salah out of Liverpool - it changes everything," said Merson post-match.
Liverpool 's attack looked blunt as they tried to break down a resistant Arsenal defence without the man who has scored 16 Premier League goals this season.
Mane has chipped in with eight league goals as well, so it was a tough ask for the likes of Minamino to fill those boots.
The return leg takes place in a week as Liverpool will still be without Salah and Mane.
