Liverpool have lost five games in the Premier League already this season, the latest a 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, and Wayne Rooney has slammed Mohamed Salah again
Samuel Meade Sports Brand Writer and Neil Docking
09:42, 10 Nov 2025
Mohamed Salah is struggling at Liverpool
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Mohamed Salah is struggling at Liverpool(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
Wayne Rooney has once again criticised Mohamed Salah, claiming the Liverpool winger isn't pulling his weight defensively as the Reds endure a dismal spell.
Liverpool suffered their fifth Premier League defeat in Sunday's chastening 3-0 loss at Manchester City. They've now been beaten seven times in their last 10 outings across all competitions, with some pundits writing off their title hopes, while their Carabao Cup campaign has already ended with a 3-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace.
Salah was lethal last season but has found the net just four times this term, though he's part of an attack that's misfiring collectively for under pressure manager Arne Slot. The Egyptian has traditionally been excused from certain defensive responsibilities.
This left Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley isolated against City's Jeremy Doku, who delivered a masterclass at the Etihad.
The Belgian claimed the Player of the Match award after netting a spectacular strike, but Rooney reckons Bradley deserved more support in dealing with him, reports the Mirror.
Wayne Rooney
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Wayne Rooney has laid into Mohamed Salah again(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney commented: "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 team-mate. 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 team-mate."
Salah couldn't make the difference in attack as City's defence successfully neutralised him alongside Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, allowing the hosts to narrow the gap on Arsenal, while putting crucial distance between themselves and the title holders, who cannot afford further setbacks if they harbour any ambitions of keeping their crown.
Rooney has previously voiced concerns about various elements of Liverpool's performances this campaign. After their defeat at Stamford Bridge weeks earlier, he questioned Salah's contribution without the ball.
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The ex-England captain insisted that his limited impact in the attacking third was no longer sufficient and challenged his application in other areas.
Rooney stated: "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."