LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: William Saliba of Arsenal reacts as he gives the team instructions during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield on May 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
William Saliba was caught out of position for Liverpool’s opening goal at Anfield (Picture: Getty)
Jamie Carragher ripped into Arsenal defender William Saliba over his ‘poor’ error in Sunday’s clash against Premier League winners Liverpool.
The Gunners centre-back, who has been linked to Real Madrid, was caught out of position for Cody Gakpo’s opening goal on 20 minutes at Anfield.
Football pundit and former Liverpool defender Carragher was left far from impressed with the Frenchman, calling him out in his half-time analysis.
‘We know Arsenal like to go man to man when teams are playing at the back,’ Carragher said on Sky Sports during a replay of Gakpo’s goal.
‘William Saliba has got to get over and cover Ben White, his starting position is really poor.
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‘White is done with a ball over the top. White is then in centre-back position, Saliba is at right-back. Where’s the leadership?
‘Someone has to be telling someone to get out there. Saliba gets caught in no man’s land.
Liverpool FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Arsenal were ‘caught sleeping’ for Cody Gakpo’s goal (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s not at right-back and he’s not at centre-back. This is really poor.’
Fellow former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said that Arsenal were ‘caught sleeping’ for Gakpo’s goal.
‘Arsenal caught sleeping, they switch off for a second and Liverpool are alive to the situation,’ he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘A quick throw in to the feet of Andy Robertson and he curls a delicious ball into Cody Gakpo and he can’t miss.’
Last month, Saliba responded to claims he’s the best centre-back in world football at the moment.
‘I think I am one of the best, but not yet the best defender in the world,’ the 24-year-old told Téléfoot. ‘I can still become much better one day, I hope to improve.’
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