They have had this problem - Carragher slams Liverpool

Liverpool may have started their Premier League title defence with a win, but former defender Jamie Carragher has warned that their defensive lapses could cost them silverware this season.

The Reds ran out 4-2 winners against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday night, with late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah sealing an emotional triumph.

However, Antoine Semenyo’s brace exposed worrying cracks at the back, cancelling out earlier strikes from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.

Carragher, speaking on Friday Night Football via Sky Sports, described Liverpool’s defending as “unbelievable” and “absolutely shocking.”

“It’s fantastic from Semenyo but Liverpool have had this problem,” Carragher said.

He continued, “How many players were ahead of the ball, maybe eight, when they were winning 2-1? That can’t happen. It’s shocking at this level.

“For Semenyo to run that far and get his shot away is incredible – but where was Konaté going? He had a poor night at centre-back.”

The Sky Sports pundit also drew attention to Liverpool’s shaky pre-season displays, pointing out that they conceded similar goals in the 4-2 defeat to AC Milan and shipped two goals each against Athletic Club and Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

Despite the concerns, manager Arne Slot will take encouragement from his side’s attacking resilience, but the defensive warning signs remain loud and clear.