Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher has criticised Liverpool's forwards while defending Mohamed Salah, claiming Liverpool rely on the Egyptian "too much" and that he needs more help from his teammates.
Salah has been in excellent form so far this season, netting 32 goals and providing 22 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, but he struggled to make an impact in the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1.
In fact, it was only the third time that Salah has failed to record a shot or create a chance in a Liverpool game he has started. However, Carragher leapt to Salah's defence after the match and insisted the likes of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo need to step up more.
"It was probably one of the worst performances I've seen from Liverpool in a cup final," Carragher told Sky Sports. "But they've given so much this season and they've lost one league game.
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"It's hard to be too critical but it has shone a light on areas where Liverpool still need to improve. I think the lack of pace in attack is glaring. And I almost feel a little bit sorry for Mohamed Salah.
"He took a bit of criticism after the two Paris Saint-Germain games, against possibly the best left-back in the world Nuno Mendes, who was fantastic, he didn't do too much and he wasn't great today. But he doesn't get help from the other attackers.
"This isn't like under Jurgen Klopp where [Sadio] Mane or [Roberto] Firmino could bail them out of trouble. The other attackers Liverpool have got are good players but they're not great players. They've relied on him (Salah) too much, so I don't want to see too much criticism of Mo Salah over this last week."
Mohamed Salah struggled in the Carabao Cup final
As a result, Carragher believes Liverpool need to sign two new forwards next summer to play alongside Salah, provided he agrees a contract extension. "What it's shone a light on is that Liverpool need to go out and buy two attackers – not as squad players, but possibly to play alongside Mo Salah, hopefully, next season," he added.
"I've been excited thinking it looks like Liverpool are going to win the league and there is still lots to improve – and I think they will in the summer." Liverpool's sole focus will now be winning the league, with the Reds currently sitting 12 points clear at the top of the table with nine games left to go.
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