Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27
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Liverpool are quietly going about their business while there is chaos around them in the Premier League.
Manchester City were beaten for the first time over the weekend amid the cheating charges over their head; Chelsea got beaten by Tottenham, which is laughable in itself, and Manchester United continue to be a comedy show.
All the while, Liverpool beat in-form Brighton 2-0 over the weekend to move into fourth place in the Premier League table, and Steven Gerrard liked what he saw.
But the Liverpool legend highlighted the Reds’ defensive side of the game, and how Andoni Iraola is missing a Fabinho-type player in the middle of the park, and Alexis Mac Allister isn’t the man for the job.
READ MORE:What Andoni Iraola told Mexican TV about Liverpool’s ‘interest’ in Tijuana star Gilberto Mora
Andoni Iraola has been called the 'right man at the wrong time' for Liverpool 😑 What are your thoughts on Iraola and the current squad? Patience is key, right?
Credit: Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
I agree on Scott, I just don’t see it. The issue with the likes of Mora is that it could take them a long time to get up to speed, have to be really patient if you’re aiming for them to be regular starters. Smit less so as he’s played a lot more football, but still a jump from the Dutch league
Tijuana are looking 30 million for Mora James a complete bargain then Kees Smit available for 40 to 45 million, they are both incredible talents for their age and they could easily be world class talents at Liverpool, nyoni was outstanding earlier against Lask, then sign Lamine camara in January, Alex Scott is not worth the 100 million, Chelsea can have him.
@keithsmyth376 I like that actually Keith, get after the young talents and build them into superstars. Has always suited us better
Steven Gerrard on Alexis Mac Allister’s defensive work
Speaking to the Overlap Daily, Gerrard doesn’t think Liverpool defend well enough, and they have been ‘conceding too many goals’ this term.
Liverpool conceded four goals in their first two matches, proceeded to keep three clean sheets on the bounce after that, before that game against Manchester City, beating Brentford 2-1 and then the Brighton game.
Liverpool’s 2026/27 Premier League games Goals conceded 3+ goals conceded Clean sheets
8 8 1 4
The Manchester City game wouldn’t have finished like it did if Ryan Gravenberch wasn’t sent off, so take that away, and it’s been pretty pleasing from a defensive aspect in the league.
Of course, it’s a different story in the Champions League, and that’s where Gerrard probably has his concerns, as he explained.
“Now the challenge is: Can they defend well enough?” said Gerrard. “Because they have been conceding too many goals.
“Mac Allister has come back into top form. Gravenberch has come back into the team. If we can get Szoboszlai back in there, it’s a stronger midfield when they are all fit and available.
“I still think, moving forward, and Iraola might disagree. Some Liverpool fans might disagree. I still think Liverpool miss a real, strong, and powerhouse in the middle of the team. Someone who holds the middle of the team. Stops people from playing through them and puts a lot of issues out.
“Like a Fabinho, for example. A Dietmar Hamann, who I played with, that type who worried about the other side of the game when everyone is thinking attack, attack or let’s go create and be obsessed with scoring.
“I think Liverpool lack that. I think Mac Allister is good. But I don’t think he is top at that.”
Mac Allister’s defensive stats this season
Mac Allister has started six of the eight games this season, and he has found his form again from the previous campaign.
If the Argentina international can get that engine going again from when Arne Slot won the title, it will help Liverpool’s defensive game tenfold.
Games Tackles per game Interceptions per game Possession won (final third) Balls recovered per game Clearances per game
8 1.9 0.3 0.4 4.5 1.6
Not only does Iraola need time, but you sense another player needs to be signed via the transfer market for Gerrard’s midfield concerns to improve.