Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Carragher insists costly error by rarely criticised Liverpool man ‘happens a lot’ after latest downfall

Jamie Carragher Sky Sports 2022 TEAMtalk1

Jamie Carragher has highlighted how one Liverpool defender needs to learn he “can’t always” utilise one of the standout aspects of his game or it could cause bigger issues – as happened on Saturday against Manchester City.

Liverpool suffered a 4-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium upon their return from the international break. Despite going in front courtesy of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool conceded goals by Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish.

It was a miserable result for Jurgen Klopp’s side. The manager has since gone on to describe the two goals they conceded just after half time (by De Bruyne and Gundogan) as “absolutely not acceptable”.

But even the goal before that – Alvarez’s equaliser – has been put under the spotlight for how Liverpool contributed to their own downfall.

Taking to Twitter, ex-Reds defender Carragher pointed out how Andy Robertson was guilty of pressing too high, ultimately leaving his man free.

Carragher wrote: “Andy Robertson goes chasing into midfield [and] leaves his man, it happens a lot. (CL final). You can’t always press!”

Carragher was referring to last season’s Champions League final, which Liverpool lost 1-0 after a Vinicius Junior goal. The move for Real Madrid’s winner came down the left flank, where Robertson was nowhere to be seen by the time Federico Valverde’s cross came in.

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Andy Robertson receives rare criticism from Carragher

The issues Robertson got caught out for then have clearly resurfaced again. That said, the Scotland international remains one of the least-frequently criticised members of Klopp’s squad.

He has built up a reputation at Liverpool for his energetic and committed performances. However, that can sometimes lead to him being drawn out of position, which is obviously not an ideal consequence.

Thankfully for Robertson, the pros of his style usually outweigh the cons. But on this occasion, it played a part in enabling Man City to make a comeback – before they took the game away from Liverpool.

Robertson was taken off to be replaced by Kostas Tsimikas in the 70th minute of the match at the Etihad Stadium. By that point, City were already two goals better off than Liverpool, and there would be one more to come.

Of course, Robertson will not be the only culprit of such a bad result for Liverpool. By Klopp’s estimations, there were around four players who did “OK” for his side – but nothing more.

Therefore, the manager was unhappy with at least seven of his players. Liverpool will have to dust themselves down before they try to bounce back away at Chelsea on Tuesday.