Jamie Carragher took aim at Liverpool’s stars who were “really poor” against Sunderland as Arne Slott’s side endured another mixed night at Anfield.
Liverpool struggle again at Anfield
Following last weekend’s win over West Ham United, Liverpool were eyeing the game against Sunderland as their chance to end the rot and end the rot in the Premier League. However, the Black Cats had a different idea and quickly reminded the Reds why they were in the position they were in.
Kemsudine Talbi’s deflected effort in many ways summed up Liverpool’s recent fortunes. The Premier League champions went into the game having lost twice at Anfield, but they had to avoid Virgil van Dijk’s block from hitting Alisson Becker’s net.
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A positive for Liverpool in recent weeks has been the form of Florian Wirtz, with the German finally making his mark in the Premier League. His shot went off as an own goal for Nordi Mukiele, but there is no doubt that one of the most expensive signings of the summer has stepped up to raise the level of his team.
It’s a far cry from the vintage performances of the champions, but at least they can be relieved to avoid further defeat. Following the win at West Ham, Slott’s side should see this weekend’s game against Leeds United as an opportunity to turn the tide for their second win in three games in the same week.
However, it remains to be seen whether Alexander Isak will play a role this weekend. The Swede scored his first Premier League goal for the club last weekend but has taken just 15 touches since then, much to Carragher’s frustration.
Jamie Carragher slams Alexander Isaac as ‘really poor’
Coach Carragher, who was watching on commentary, slammed Isaac, calling him “really poor” and said there was no “excuse” for his disappointing performance at this stage of the season.
“I know he hasn’t had pre-season, but there’s no excuse. It’s December and he’s been really unwell,” Carragher said.
Liverpool were in dreamland in the summer after breaking their transfer record to bring in the £280,000-a-week star. Sadly, that dream quickly turned into a nightmare for everyone involved.
Isaac sometimes went from strike to strikeless. Liverpool sit in 8th place and their attack has never looked so toothless down the slot. Hugo Equique has also struggled to find the back of the net in recent weeks, and there is no doubt that the Reds have problems in attack.
It’s also not easy. In theory, a trip to a newly promoted team should be a routine occurrence, but Liverpool will now face a Leeds side who have just beaten Chelsea.
Until then, Slott needs to find a way to get Isaac more involved. With just 15 touches, the Swede could always struggle.
