Jamie Carragher blasts two Liverpool players after 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat at Everton – as Reds icon bemoans ‘giving silly fouls away and getting the crowd up’
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was scathing about his former side after the 2-0 defeat at Everton, singling out two players in particular for criticism.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ensured Everton secured their first Merseyside derby win since October 2010.
The result leaves a double bitter taste for Liverpool as their title hopes are seriously damaged with four games remaining in the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently second in the table, three points behind Arsenal. However, Manchester City, who are in third place, have two games in hand against Liverpool and are only one point behind.
And looking back on the visitors’ loss at Goodison Park, Carragher had no hesitation in assigning blame.
Two Liverpool players have been criticized by Jamie Carragher following their 2-0 defeat at Everton
Carragher was unimpressed with the duo after Wednesday’s Merseyside derby defeat
Jarrad Branthwaite (left) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored Everton’s goals at Goodison Park
The first player to come into Carragher’s sights was Ibrahima Konate after Branthwaite’s opener in the 27th minute. During the build-up to the goal, Konate failed to stop a ball over the boss with a straight leg, much to Carragher’s annoyance.
‘How many times have Liverpool given away free-kicks? I mean, that’s the name of the game for Everton,” the Sky Sports pundit said at half-time of the match.
“Everton were fantastic, especially with the set pieces, it seemed like they scored on every set piece.
‘The number of times Liverpool gave away mistakes in their own half and Konate, what is he doing?! He doesn’t know where he is. He just sticks out a leg to it.
‘But Everton certainly deserved to be in front and deserved a goal from a set-piece.’
Konate was substituted just after the hour, but his teammate Alexis Mac Allister played the full duration and frustrated Carragher with his play in midfield.
‘Liverpool’s naivety when it comes to the way you play a derby match. They got away with one with the penalty,” the 46-year-old said.
Ibrahima Konate (left) and Alexis Mac Allister were the duo caught in his crosshairs
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for a response when they face West Ham on Saturday
‘Forget this game, every time you come to Goodison as a Liverpool player there are two rules you will always follow: you don’t give away stupid mistakes and get the crowd going, and you move the ball quickly and don’t allow mistakes behind. let tackles come in.
‘Mac Allister in midfield, who has been fantastic for Liverpool this season. He has given away so many mistakes and he takes too long on the ball. He allows people to tackle them and that thrills the crowd.”
Everyone associated with Liverpool will demand a response to the performance when they travel to West Ham for the Premier League kick-off at 12.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
