Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has issued a stark warning for the Reds: unless Arne Slot’s side tightens up defensively, their Premier League title challenge risks slipping out of reach of Arsenal and Manchester City, even at this early stage of the season.
The reigning champions have endured a torrid run of form, losing four consecutive games across all competitions. In the league alone, Liverpool have fallen to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and arch-rivals Manchester United, while also suffering a midweek defeat in the Champions League against Galatasaray in Turkey.
The defensive struggles are glaring: the Reds have conceded at least two goals in each of their last three Premier League matches.
Sunday’s clash at Anfield against Manchester United illustrated the Reds’ defensive fragility once again. Bryan Mbeumo struck early for the visitors, and although Cody Gakpo pulled Liverpool level in the 78th minute, Harry Maguire rose highest to head home a late winner from a Bruno Fernandes cross, leaving Arne Slot’s side with another damaging loss
Carragher was forthright in his assessment of Liverpool’s issues. “If you look at the signings Liverpool have brought in, the full-backs are quite small, so there’s no real great physical presence,” he told Sky Sports. “Set-piece-wise, is the team big enough? It looks like they are not coping very well with set pieces and are struggling with the style of the Premier League right now.”
He went further, highlighting that the problems are not confined to one area. “I don’t think it’s one glaring problem, it’s lots of things. Some of their best players from last season are not at the same levels, and it’s not quite happening for Liverpool now. They felt invincible last season; now, as soon as someone beats them, they have lost four in a row. It’s like Manchester City last season: you couldn’t believe they were losing. It’s the same with Liverpool now.”
Carragher also pinpointed the psychological aspect of Liverpool’s decline.
“They have got to get out of it quickly, but we’re not going to see the best of Liverpool until the second half of the season. With Liverpool sometimes, there is a mindset of not wanting to do the dirty work. Liverpool are a much better team than Manchester United, so if Manchester United are to come to Anfield and win, it’s usually with a bit of luck, maybe a late goal. Liverpool are not at the races at all defensively. Until they fix that, they can’t win the league.”
Liverpool’s defensive record this season paints a concerning picture: 11 goals conceded in just eight Premier League games. The Reds have struggled to cope with set-pieces, crosses, and physical battles in the box, and Carragher believes that unless they address these vulnerabilities quickly, any hopes of retaining the Premier League are likely to be dashed.
“It’s not just one player or one position,” Carragher added. “It’s a mixture of small errors, some of their key players not performing at the same level, and the team not adapting to the physicality and pace of the Premier League right now. Until they solve that, the league title is out of their hands.”
The defensive issues are compounded by Liverpool’s recent pattern of conceding late goals. Even when the team creates chances, like Gakpo’s equaliser against United, a lapse in concentration or poor marking at the back often undoes the good work, leaving Slot and his squad with a bitter sense of déjà vu.
For Liverpool, the message is clear while the attacking talent is evident, the Premier League title cannot be won without a solid defensive foundation. As Carragher warned, until Liverpool learn to cope better with physical challenges, protect set-pieces, and regain the intensity of last season, their crown is under serious threat.