Carragher outlines major Liverpool worry; names one essential signing

Jamie Carragher has again warned Liverpool they will lose their grip on the Premier League title if they don’t secure a central defensive signing in the January window.

Danny Ings’ well crafted second-minute lob against his former club ended Liverpool’s 12-game unbeaten run in the Premier League as the reigning champions’ winless run stretched to three games.

But Klopp was aggrieved his side were not awarded either of their two second-half penalty appeals.

After the game, Klopp even made a dig at the number of spot-kicks Manchester United are awarded by comparison.

The Reds boss is clearly rattled.

However, he has more immediate problems to focus on with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho forced to line up in cental defence.

While the pair adapted pretty well, they are both better midfielders. As such, Carragher has repeated his claim that Liverpool must sign a new defender this month if they want to retain the title.

“I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t buy a centre-back,” Carragher told Monday Night Football.

“I said that after the Everton game when (Virgil) van Dijk was injured but I think it’s a really tough ask if they don’t bring anyone in.

“The fact they played Jordan Henderson at centre-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench (Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips) and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a centre-back. He did well, but it’s not his position.”

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Carragher wanted Liverpool reaction

Saints were good value for their 1-0 win, having made Liverpool wait until the 75th minute for a shot on goal.

Having drawn with West Brom and Newcastle in their previous two games, Carragher said he’d expected a big response from Liverpool.

“I expected a reaction from Liverpool (tonight) on the back of two poor performances. I think we had another one. We looked at Liverpool’s away form this season, it’s so poor isn’t it?

“They never looked like scoring (against Southampton. Did the goalkeeper make a good save or a big save? Did anyone have a chance to score?

“That’s a real worry for Liverpool at this moment in time, it’s nowhere near good enough.”

Carragher also felt the Reds had a real lack of urgency.

“Liverpool scored a lot of late goals over the last couple of years, they’ve forgotten how to play like that,” he added.

“What summed it up was Liverpool’s (last) corner. They did the same against West Brom. It has got to go in the box. You have to score in ten seconds, it has to go in.

“Liverpool’s team is amazing but it’s going through the first real rough patch for two or three seasons. Where are the goals coming from?”

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