Liverpool were beaten by Manchester City on Sunday afternoon as their title defence took another blow with Wayne Rooney calling out Mo Salah's effort in defence
Mohamed Salah during Manchester City vs Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has been called out by Wayne Rooney(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney has once again criticised Mohamed Salah, claiming the Liverpool forward isn't contributing enough defensively during the club's difficult spell.
The Reds suffered their fifth Premier League defeat following Sunday's loss at Manchester City. Some have all-but-ruled them out of the title race, while their Carabao Cup defence has already ended.
Salah was prolific last season but has found goals harder to come by this campaign, though the entire forward line has struggled for consistency. The Egyptian has managed just four goals so far, having previously been afforded freedom from certain defensive responsibilities.
This left Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley isolated against City winger Jeremy Doku, who produced an outstanding performance at the Etihad. The Belgian was unplayable and scored a spectacular goal, but Rooney believes Bradley should have received greater support in stifling the winger.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: "Salah is in the team to score goals and create goals. He's been one of the best players in the Premier League over the last six or seven years. But in big games, you have to double up.
"You have to get back and help your teammate. Conor Bradley was having a really tough game today, to be left on his own. Ryan Gravenberch was trying his best to help him and get over there, but then that leaves spaces in other positions. I think Salah has to come back and help his teammate."
Salah struggled to make an impact going forward as City's defence successfully neutralised him alongside Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, allowing the visitors to narrow the gap on Arsenal while putting distance between themselves and the reigning champions, who cannot afford further mistakes if they harbour any aspirations of defending their crown.
Man City winger Jeremy Doku
Man City winger Jeremy Doku was superb against Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images))
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Rooney has previously voiced concerns about various elements of Liverpool's performances this campaign. After their defeat at Chelsea some weeks ago, he expressed worry over Salah's defensive contributions.
The Premier League legend insisted that his diminished impact in attacking areas was no longer acceptable and challenged him on work-rate matters.
He said: "When it's going well and you're scoring goals and winning games it's great and the team will put up with that but, over the last week, I would question his work ethic."
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