Jamie Carragher has slammed Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate after Liverpool's draw against Fulham. He pointed to the fault of the two centre-backs in the Cottagers' first goal in the 2-2 draw.
The Reds faced Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday, January 4. Harry Wilson gave the hosts the lead in the 17th minute via an assist from Raul Jimenez. The striker dropped deep to receive the ball, drawing Konate in with him. Van Dijk didn't cover for the Frenchman, allowing Wilson to run in space, receive the ball from Jimenez, and score.
At half-time, Jamie Carragher claimed that it was 'lazy' defending from the duo, saying on Sky Sports:
"I'm sick of seeing it, not just with Liverpool, right throughout the Premier League, what center-backs do in this situation. It's lazy defending, or it's a tactical instruction I don't like. Konate has to come across, and Van Dijk then takes the position of Konate. You fill the space, and then this guy here, Harry Wilson, won't run into the space."
"I'm sick of seeing it all the time, lazy defending from center-backs. Not just Liverpool, right throughout the Premier League. Harry Wilson does not make that run if Konate's across and Van Dijk's across. Whether that's come tactically from the manager, or they just want to sit in their armchairs in the middle of the pitch and let midfield players do their running for them," he added.
Arne Slot's side scored twice in the second half via Florian Wirtz (57') and Cody Gakpo (90+4'). However, Harrison Reed scored an incredible goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time to secure a draw for Fulham.
Arne Slot shares his thoughts on Liverpool's draw against Fulham
The Reds had 58% possession in their Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday. They made 10 attempts, with two being on target, as compared to the hosts' seven attempts, with two being on target. Both sides hit the woodwork as well.
After the game, Arne Slot said that his side keeps conceding from the first chance they give away in games, saying (h/t Liverpoolfc.com):
"I think if you are not a part of Liverpool and you don't follow us every game then you think you win it. But unfortunately, I am experiencing this for months now that the first chance the other team gets and the only chance they got in the first half led to a goal. That's one thing we usually see with us. The second thing we see a lot is that the other team scores a goal you don't expect in extra time, so this is then a surprise."
With the draw, the Merseysiders are fourth in the Premier League standings, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. They will next face the Gunners at the Emirates on Thursday, January 8.