Jamie Carragher was disappointed at two Liverpool players during Saturday’s game against Arsenal.
The Reds were largely good against the Gunners, holding Mikel Arteta’s side at bay and securing a 1-1 draw.
However, it could have been so much better for Liverpool. Having pressed Arsenal into submission at the start of the second-half, the Reds had dangerous attack after dangerous attack.
But far too often the final ball was left wanting. And commentating for Sky Sports, Carragher lay the blame mainly at the feet of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, with Mohamed Salah also culpable.
“Aside from Salah’s finish, the front three for Liverpool have been really poor,” bemoaned the Liverpool legend.
“Salah has a moment of absolute brilliance but too often the front three are in dangerous positions and the final pass or finish [has been missing]. Mostly Gakpo and Diaz. The midfield have been doing their job winning the ball back.
“That quality in the final third has let them down. They’ve had real opportunities when it’s been turned over.”
Liverpool attack lets them down
heading into the game, the form of both Gakpo and Diaz had been a topic of debate for Liverpool fans.
Although both have contributed this season, neither have done much of late.
Diaz in particular really needs to find some form. With one goal in his last 14 Premier League matches, Liverpool really should expect such a lot more from him.
But though he worked hard against Arsenal, the Colombian never really looked like turning that around on Saturday.
It wasn’t just Lucho who failed to deliver, though. Despite his goal, Salah was as guilty as anyone of giving the ball away in promising positions.
So often so sure of foot when running into the final third, Mo just couldn’t seem to get it under control this evening.
His touch let him down plenty of times, but his decision making and execution when in genuinely good positions was poor, too. Gakpo meanwhile just couldn’t get into the game.
Liverpool’s attack looks superb on paper, but for too many games now we’re seeing these ineffectual performances. Things have to improve.
