‘Not acceptable’ – Jamie Carragher cannot believe Liverpool footage ahead of Newcastle match
Liverpool may have seen off Bournemouth 4-2 in their opening Premier League match, but Jamie Carragher was not entirely convinced.
Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah struck late on for Liverpool to seal the points at Anfield after Bournemouth had battled back from two goals down.
That win gave Arne Slot’s side momentum heading into Monday’s crucial clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
And while all focus was on that match, Carragher was alarmed by footage he saw from Liverpool‘s win over Bournemouth ahead of the Newcastle contest.
Jamie Carragher calls out risky Liverpool defending
Liverpool’s defence was badly exposed by Bournemouth on multiple occasions, just like Crystal Palace managed in the Community Shield five days earlier.
Carragher was particularly alarmed at Liverpool’s defending for Antoine Semenyo’s second goal, with Liverpool’s three central midfielder all inside their own penalty area at the start of the attack.
Speaking over footage of the defending on Sky Sports Main Event (25 August, 7:47pm), Carragher said: “Liverpool have these three players inside their own box – that is not acceptable.
“It’s like under sevens football with kids chasing the ball. Credit to Semenyo, who was great on the night and got his goal.”
As Carragher went on to explain, the fact that Bournemouth were able to attack four on two in their advantage was pretty shocking.
Arne Slot learns lessons ahead of Newcastle clash
The Bournemouth display was far from vintage, but it was a case of job done for the Reds.
Slot will know that his side were not good enough defensively, but it is all about learning lessons.
| Liverpool | Bournemouth | |
| Goals | 4 | 2 |
| Shots on goal | 19 | 10 |
| Possession | 61 | 39 |
Liverpool have already moved to bring in Giovanni Leoni, but he is more of a long-term project in the heart of defence.
The hope is that another centre-back is recruited before the window closes, although all focus is seemingly at the other end of the pitch as the Alexander Isak saga continues to drag on.
If Liverpool are to fall short this season then it will likely be down to defensive issues rather than their attack, but there is still time to rectify that.
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