FA Cup: Exeter City 2-2 Liverpool - 5 Talking Points

Liverpool’s youngsters came from behind to draw against League Two opponents Exeter CityLiverpool’s young stars impressed in a 2-2 draw against Exeter City in the FA Cup third round. Tom Nichols gave an early lead to the home side before Jerome Sinclair leveled up it for the Reds. Exeter City’s Lee Holmes scored directly from the corner after a poor mistake from Adam Bogdan just before the break. Australian left back Brad Smith scored the equalizer for Liverpool in the second half to take the tie back to Anfield.Here are five talking points from the match:

#1 Senior players disappoint

Benteke and Bogdan were disappointing stalwarts for a callow Liverpool side

Adam Bogdan, Jose Enrique and Christian Benteke were the only senior players to play for Liverpool against Exeter City. Jose Enrique was too slow for Exeter City’s first goal, while Adam Bogdan conceded directly from a corner. Adam Bogdan also made an awful error in Liverool’s league defeat against Watford, and his future at Anfield looks in major doubt. As for Jose Enrique, he made his first senior team appearance playing as a centre-back, and looked a bit rusty.

Belgian inernational Christian Benteke had another disappointing outing, as he seemed to struggle throughtout the match. Benteke had a couple of good chances, but failed to find the back of the net again. Time is running out for Benteke, who will be hoping to make an impact in the upcoming games or risk his future at Anfield.

#2 Ilori makes his debut

Tiago Ilori made his Liverpool debut after being recalled from a loan spell at Aston Villa

Portuguese defender Tiago Ilori finally made his Liverpool debut, since making a £7 million move from Sporting around two and a half years ago. He enjoyed loan spells for Spanish side Granada, French side Bordeaux, and was sent to Aston Villa on loan this season.

Liverpool’s squad has been hit hard with injuries, which prompted Jurgen Klopp to recall Ilori from Aston Villa as he failed to make a single first team appearance for them, despite their troubles at the back.

The 22-year-old had a decent game, but it was clear to see he lacks match fitness. He was partnered with Jose Enrique at the back, and it would be unfair on him to judge him just yet. He made a few good tackles, and looked lively throughout the game, but had to be substituted in the 77th minute as he tired rapidly.

#3 Liverpool\'s youngsters impress

Liverpool’s youngsters shone after injuries gave them a chance to impress for the first team

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp fielded a very young side, with thirteen first team players out due to injury. Young English striker Jerome Sinclair equalized for Liverpool, after taking advantage of Exeter City’s defensive mistake. Australian left back Brad Smith also found the back of the net in the second half, and put in an impressive performance.

Liverpool dominated possession in the first half of the game, with credit going to Ryan Kent. He looked confident on the ball, and didn’t hesitate to take on defenders. Cameron Brannagan also put in a very good show, as he dominated the midfield and also made defensive contributions.

Sheyi Ojo came on in the second half and caused a few troubles for the Exeter City defense, while Brad Smith put in few delightful crosses inside the penalty box. The young Red stars really stepped up when Klopp needed them to, and will now be hoping to get a win at Anfield in the replay.

#4 Good result for Liverpool, given the conditions

Liverpool would be happy to have come away with a draw, given the state of the pitch

Liverpool played several young players with most of the first team players out injured. The average age of Liverpool’s starting XI was 22, and the likes of Tiago Ilori, Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo, Joe Maguire and Kevin Stewart made their debut for the Reds. For the young Red stars it was no easy fixture, and they didn’t disappoint anyone with their performance. They equalized twice to show tremendous fighting spirit – something that the first team is lacking.

The pitch was also in a poor condition, which didn’t allow Liverpool to play a smooth passing game, while Exeter City are more used to this conditions. Jurgen Klopp had more experienced players in the form of Adam Lallana and Lucas Leiva on the bench, but he didn’t prefer to use them considering the pitch conditions. Liverpool should be more than happy to get a draw with such an inexperienced side and have a great chance now at Anfield.

#5 Exeter City players impress

The League Two outfit were denied a historical FA Cup win, with many of their first team impressing

Exeter City players looked pumped up for the big game. The League Two side really impressed, and played some attacking football. Twice they took the lead, and came close to securing a historical win against Liverpool, but should be more than happy to take the tie to Anfield. They looked particularly brilliant in the second half, and caused a few problems for the Liverpool defense, and were unlucky not to score more goals.

Tom Nichols put in a man of the match performance, and also scored the first goal from a brillaint finish. Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale should be proud of his team’s majestic display, and the way his players responded on such a big occasion. Exeter City’s replay at Anfield against Liverpool will earn them £700,000, which is also equal to their year's wage bill.