Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has criticised the Reds’ poor defensive performance, calling it “unbelievable” and “absolutely shocking” despite their 4-2 victory over Bournemouth.
Carragher warned that if the team continues to defend this way, they will not be able to retain their Premier League title.
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On an emotional night marked by tributes to the late Diogo Jota, Liverpool went 2-0 up through debutant Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, only for Antoine Semenyo to drag Bournemouth level with two goals that exposed Liverpool’s fragility at the back.
Both strikes came from quick transitions, with the Ghanaian forward running nearly the length of the pitch to score his second. Carragher singled out Ibrahima Konaté, calling his display “really poor” and questioning Liverpool’s defensive organisation.
“How many players were ahead of the ball at 2-1? Maybe eight. That can’t happen,” Carragher said on Friday Night Football. “It’s absolutely shocking at this level. Semenyo ran half the pitch unchallenged – and Konaté had a nightmare tonight.”
Carragher also pointed to worrying signs from pre-season, noting that Liverpool conceded four against AC Milan and looked vulnerable against Athletic Club and Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
“At no time against Palace did Liverpool look in control. It’s too easy for teams to get at them,” he added.
The Reds sealed the signing of 17-year-old Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni on Friday, while also targeting Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as Arne Slot seeks reinforcements.
Despite late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah sealing the points, Carragher insisted Liverpool’s defending must improve dramatically if they are to mount a serious title defence.
