Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has raised concerns that the Reds’ defensive frailties could prevent them from winning the Premier League title this season.
Despite maintaining a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal after a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, Carragher believes that one key issue could cost Liverpool the crown.
The Anfield club seemed on track to extend their lead at the top of the table after a dramatic comeback against United. After Lisandro Martinez’s second-half opener, Liverpool responded with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah to take a 2-1 lead.
However, Amad Diallo’s 80th-minute equalizer denied them all three points, leaving the Reds to settle for a draw.
Carragher believes that the result highlighted a fundamental issue with Liverpool’s defense, particularly in the full-back positions.
While the team boasts one of the most potent attacking forces in the league, Carragher believes that the defensive side of the game could hold them back.
“Arsenal are better than Liverpool defensively. Liverpool are better going forward — they create more chances and score more goals,”
Carragher said during his appearance on Gary Neville’s Sky Sports podcast. “But Liverpool in the full-back areas… Andy Robertson is hanging on for dear life. If Trent is having problems as well on the other side, that puts an awful lot of pressure on the middle two.”
Carragher pointed to Virgil van Dijk as a key figure who has had to work harder to compensate for the defensive struggles.
“Van Dijk saved Liverpool a lot today. He’s probably having to work too hard, and that’s the one thing that can stop Liverpool from winning the league — the full-back areas,” he added.