Liverpool began their Premier League defence in slightly shaky fashion with an unconvincing win over Bournemouth last week.
The Reds are heavy favourites to make it back-to-back titles under Arne Slot after romping to first place last season.
But Friday night against Bournemouth laid bare the struggles Slot has had with Liverpool throughout pre-season.
After changing both full-backs, the Reds have been a touch too open. That continued at Anfield as they gave up two easy goals.
Whatever the problems in defence, though, Liverpool clearly have some issues to contend with going forward as well.
And according to former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher, this is what could cost Slot another Premier League title. But he still has time to fix it.
Arne Slot watches on during Liverpool's Premier League matcha against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jamie Carragher urges attacking additions
Liverpool’s front three last week contained Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo. Federico Chiesa also came off the bench to great effect.
But while all four of Slot’s forwards got on the scoresheet, Carragher says they currently do not have enough to win the league again. Alexander Isak must be signed or, failing that, two other new names.
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“Time is running out for the clubs to secure the firepower needed,” the pundit writes in The Telegraph. “If Isak is not a Liverpool player early next week, he and Slot must accept that it is not going to happen in this transfer window.
“For all the praise of how Liverpool have conducted their business this summer – and no one is more admiring than me – the next few days are crucial to their title defence.”
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“Slot will not defend the crown with only three out-and-out attackers of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike,” Carragher adds.
“They cannot carry the goalscoring burden without at least one more, preferably two, top-class operators across the front line, especially as Salah will be on Africa Cup of Nations duty in December.
“Liverpool must be ruthless. It cannot be “Isak or no one”. Whatever their plan B is, they need to start thinking about executing it.”
What is Liverpool’s plan B?
Ever since Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike, it has been clear that their main focus has been on buying Isak to play with him.
The Swede is the top priority and Liverpool have not wavered their gaze elsewhere in the meantime.
Nevertheless, Carragher makes a very good point, and although he overlooks Chiesa in his assessment, Liverpool likely need at least one more attacker brought in.
On Thursday, there were renewed rumours that Liverpool are likely to move for Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid. But nothing concrete has emerged.
Elsewhere, other names such as Malick Fofana have regularly been put forward, with little traction gained. Carragher may have a very strong point here, but you get the feeling the Reds may well be sticking to ‘Isak or no one.’