Jamie Carragher has slammed Liverpool's midfield setup after the Reds were exposed for Newcastle United's opening goal at St. James' Park
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher has criticized Liverpool's midfield for their role in Newcastle United's opener
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has slammed the midfield for its role in Newcastle United's opening goal on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola's reign got off to the worst possible start at St. James' Park as the Reds found themselves a goal down after five minutes. With one swift counterattack, Liverpool was torn apart and Anthony Elanga fired the hosts in front with a composed finish.
Plenty of fingers could be pointed, with Alisson's positioning questionable and Milos Kerkez struggling to keep up with Elanga. But it was the middle of the park and the tactics being deployed where Carragher directed his frustrations.
In a tweet shared on social media, the former defender said: "Liverpool midfield all bombing forward happened all pre season, madness!" Earlier in the move, Ryan Gravenberch was operating high up the pitch and opted to pass instead of shooting, subsequently losing possession.
With the midfield all moving forward and no designated holder, Newcastle has been able to get beyond it and cause problems. With nobody sitting, Liverpool's setup is almost perfect for the hosts to play on the counter, and their approach is working perfectly so far.
Liverpool's best chance of the half fell to Florian Wirtz, but his well-struck effort was just about tipped behind by Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Despite getting into a handful of promising positions, execution in the final third has been poor from Iraola's men.
As the transfer window enters its final 10 days, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool enters the market for midfield reinforcements. Earlier this week, academy graduate Curtis Jones departed the club to join Italian side Inter Milan, concluding his search for a role as a regular starter.
Alexis Mac Allister was named on the bench for Liverpool's game with Newcastle, but is seemingly not yet up to speed after his very late arrival following the World Cup. The Argentina international featured in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Como a little over a week ago, but hasn't otherwise had any preseason minutes.
Liverpool's focus in the remaining days of the window appears to be strengthening the attack. The club is yet to replace Mohamed Salah, who left as a free agent at the end of last season following a mutual termination of his contract.
Victor Munoz has been signed for a relatively low fee after his release clause at Osasuna was triggered, but Liverpool is otherwise severely lacking in options. Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye have both been linked with a switch to Anfield, but so far there has been no breakthrough in negotiations with the French club.
Over the last week, Liverpool has had bids for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh rejected, and it is not yet known whether the club will return with a third. After today's performance, Carragher and others may argue strengthening the midfield is of equal importance before the deadline.