Jamie Carragher did not bump when he tore the performance of one player during the roller coaster of Liverpool 4-2 victory over Bournemouth.
The defending champion seemed to sail when goals of the new signing Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo brought them 2-0. But defensive decayed left Antoine Semenyo able to drag Bournemouth level, so that late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah save the blushing of Liverpool.
Ibrahima Konaté, however, was attacked because of his role in the goals of both Cherries, where the former Liverpool defender burned his efforts ‘absolutely shocking’ on Sky Sports Commentary.
Everything looked comfortable for 25 minutes. New signing Hugo Ekitike marked his league debut with a smartly taken opener before Cody Gakpo doubled the benefit. Liverpool seemed to cruise in full voice.
But Bournemouth, and in particular Antoine -Semenyo, had other ideas. Due to the lack of control of Liverpool in midfield and the vulnerability in the transition, the visitors struck twice. Semenyo, who was reportedly subjected to racist abuse during the game, punished Liverpool with two ruthless finishes, repairing parity and uncovering the back line.
It took late goals from replacement Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to secure the victory, but the defensive display let Carragher smoke.
Konaté was repeatedly selected by Carragher, who emphasized his role in both Bournemouth goals.
During the first strike by Semenyo, the French defender was out of his husband before he closed the gap half -hearted, allowing the attacker to shoot unhindered.
“What does Konaté? Oh my God do. He was absolutely shocking last night, Konaté,”
Minutes later, with Liverpool under persistent pressure, Carragher again doubted his positioning.
“They are under a real pressure, it feels like a goal is coming. I mean, the positional game of Konaté is everywhere. He has no idea where the attacking player of Bournemouth is. He was not in the right position for the first goal and again he clambers.”
The second goal of Semenyo, drilled layer past Alisson Becker after a sizzling counterattack, came with Konaté who desperately chased but did not recover.
The implementation came across the background of uncertainty about the future of Konaté. The 25-year-old has so far rejected Liverpool’s contract extension, where Real Madrid monitors his situation. The Reds would like to avoid a long -running saga and an improved deal that ties him.
But if these displays will only intensify control. With Giovanni Leoni who arrives for £ 26 million and Joe Gomez is waiting in the wings, mounts the pressure on the Frenchman to confirm his place again.
Former Southampton Vooruit Matt Le Tissier jumped against the defense van Konaté and criticized Carragher because he was too enthusiastic to explode the defender.
“The performance of Ibrahima Konate last night was interesting. Not one of his better games for Liverpool.
He was closed by the commentator [Carragher] During the game. I think we should cut the boy a little play. It is the first game of the season, it is quite early to jump on his business. “
The problems are nothing new for new head coach Arne Slot. Liverpool looked vulnerable in their Community Shield -Letaag against Crystal Palace last weekend, and was again missing in midfield control and defensive stability against Bournemouth.
Carragher was clear in his assessment:
“Liverpool had no control in midfield, just like last week. They were wide open and again the rear four were exposed. Konaté in particular had a really bad game.”
It was a damn verdict of a man who knows the standards needed at Anfield better than most.
Liverpool may have left Anfield with three points, goals of their new signing sessions, but under the euphoria the defensive cracks were impossible to ignore.
For Konaté, a player who was once reserved as the long-term partner of Virgil van Dijk, this was perhaps his most difficult evening in a Liverpool shirt. And when Carragher calls it ‘shocking’, the message cannot be clearer – if Liverpool has to retain their crown, great defensive improvement is urgently needed.
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