The 229th Merseyside derby ended with feelings of frustration for those in Red, and there was one Liverpool player who was sparked this state of mind more than anyone else.

That man was Dejan Lovren.

Lovren, of course, was the main target for condemnation, as it was the former Saints player who carelessly brought down Dominic Calvert-Lewin and cost his side three points.

This was another cut-out to add to his ever-growing collection book of blunders.

In recent weeks, fans have, for the most part, agreed that Lovren has turned a corner since his calamitous performance in the capital against Tottenham Hotspur, which saw him subbed off after half an hour in the 4-1 drubbing.

But moments like Sunday suggest that it’s yet another case of one step forward, two steps back with Lovren.

Was this ill-judged action the final straw for the 28-year-old?

It almost seems as if he has been treading on thin ice since the moment he arrived but somehow after each moment of madness, he has subsisted.

Klopp has placed his trust in Lovren time and time again to bring about a change in fortunes, but is this a task that he will cease to achieve?

He arrived at Anfield after establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league, after a successful spell with the Saints.

Ironically, one of his highlights with his former side was scoring at the home of the Reds, as Ronald Koeman’s men were among only two sides to inflict defeat on the Reds on home soil during the 2013/14 season. His towering header condemned Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool to their first defeat of their unforgettable campaign.

Ever since his £20 million move in July 2014, he has failed to live up to expectations. Thus far, Lovren has simply been remembered for all the wrong reasons, with the exception of one astonishing moment.

Backtrack two seasons ago, to when Liverpool lived up to their ‘comeback kings’ nickname once more, by securing their place in the semi-final of the 2015/16 Europa League , in the most remarkable fashion by beating Klopp’s former side, Borussia Dortmund, 4-3 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.

A last minute winner from the Croat raised the roof. The man who had pressed the self-destruct button on his Anfield career so many times had conjured up a moment that raised the roof.

Redemption.

From being 3-1 down on the night and chasing three goals to progress, Klopp’s side were seemingly dead and buried. Lovren resurrected chances of silverware, though, with his late goal, in what looked to be a defining moment in his Anfield tenure.

However, a shameful surrender to Sevilla in the subsequent final had somewhat overshadowed Lovren’s Dortmund decider.  The soaring heights reached on that magical Anfield night had turned to harrowing lows in Basel, Switzerland, as the Reds settled for second place.

The season prior to Lovren’s heroics, he played a role reversal, as on this occasion he adopted the role of the villain.

Liverpool crashed out in the Europa League round of 32 on penalties to Bestikas and it was the 28-year-old who blazed the decisive spot kick horribly over the bar to send his side packing.

Last season looked to be his last as a regular first team starter, as Klopp stepped up his pursuit of Lovren’s former teammate, Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman was the number one target during the summer but Liverpool failed to strike a deal and recruited no one else. Consequently, Lovren maintained his place in the starting XI almost by default.

This campaign, he has displayed evidence of progression, as he has seemed less panicky and more pragmatic in his decision making. But old habits die hard and mistakes have slowly filtered back into his performances, this has been accompanied by the return of disapproving supporters.

Some have put forward the case that he has had enough time to prove his worth, and he has failed comprehensively in this department. Time is running out for the Liverpool man to prove his critics wrong.

While his passion cannot be faulted, his performances certainly can.

According to the official Premier League official website, Lovren has made six defensive errors which have led to goals since he started playing in the English top flight in 2014.

This leaves him just two mistakes shy of the all-time top spot for errors committed, which is occupied by Premier League veteran, Joleon Lescott and former Red, Martin Skrtel.

If Van Dijk does join in January, it’s hard to see Lovren maintaining his place in the side.  If the Reds miss out on their desired man once again, another alternative is the ever-improving Joe Gomez.

Gomez has, of course, been filling in at right-back this season and is covering for the injured Nathaniel Clyne, who may now struggle to get back into the side based on the young England star’s performances.

Despite only being 20-years-old, the young defender has played with maturity and composure, which begs the question: Could he be deployed at centre back, instead?

Who knows what the January window will bring and the implications this will incur. One thing’s for sure, though, Lovren is facing an uphill battle in attempting to rescue his Liverpool career.

Tom Cavilla.