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Jamie Carragher issued a damning verdict of Liverpool after the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Sunderland, saying that the Premier League champions were “sleepwalking” through the game.
Florian Wirtz equalised for the Reds in what he thought would be his first goal for the club, but that was taken away from him, with replays showing that Nordi Mukiele got the decisive touch to level proceedings.
Liverpool survived three scares in the game as Trai Hume and Omar Alderete both struck the woodwork for Regis Le Bris’ visitors, and Wilson Isidor strode through on goal in second-half injury time, only to be denied on the line by Federico Chiesa after rounding Alisson.
On Sky Sports co-commentary afterwards, former Liverpool legend Carragher claimed that “any team” could beat the Merseysiders in their current predicament.
"Any team that does the basics right have got a chance of winning against this Liverpool side,” Carragher said.
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"Sunderland were fantastic. What an addition to the Premier League. [Dan] Ballard and his mates at the back were fantastic.
"The Liverpool performance was so worrying. It feels like a real step backwards after winning at West Ham. They didn't look like scoring a goal, I can't remember any big chances.
"They are lacking energy, zip, pace and power. Really worrying."
In the Sky Sports studio, ex-Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge also voiced his concerns about the Reds’ rotten run, which stretches to just four wins in 14 games.
“For sure, it’s going to take some time,” Sturridge said.
“I don’t think there’s a magic fix right now. I can’t put my finger on one thing. Collectively, the manager doesn’t quite know his best XI.
“Players are coming back, trying to find their fitness. Wirtz is trying to get sharp again, [Alexander] Isak is not completely at his level.
“Joe Gomez came in having not been in the squad for a while. Many are seeking assurances that ‘This is what we’re going with’.
“This is probably the first time that I noticed the manager change what he would typically do. They have got to make a decision on what the structure is, which players he wants to go with, and roll with it.”