Liverpool started their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 win against Bournemouth. On paper, it was the perfect beginning. But for club legend Jamie Carragher, the performance was anything but convincing.
Carragher, now a Sky Sports pundit, could not hide his frustration after the final whistle. Even though Liverpool scored four goals and secured three points, he insisted that the team looked unstable, careless, and far from champions.
The game itself was dramatic. Liverpool went two goals ahead, controlling the first half with their usual attacking flair. But Bournemouth refused to back down. Antoine Semenyo, playing with fire in his boots, struck twice to drag the Cherries level.
At 2-2, Liverpool looked shaken. The substitutions made by new manager Arne Slot seemed to add confusion instead of calm. The Reds, Carragher argued, lost all sense of control.
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Late in the game, Federico Chiesa stepped up with a brilliant volley in the 88th minute. The goal saved Liverpool from embarrassment. And when Mo Salah added a fourth with a stunning solo run, the scoreline looked comfortable. But the performance did not.
Carragher focused his criticism on one player in particular: defender Ibrahima Konaté. For Semenyo’s second goal, Konaté was left stranded, chasing shadows as the Bournemouth striker powered through. Carragher described the Frenchman’s display as “really poor” and “shocking.”
On Sky Sports, his words carried heavy emotion: “It is unbelievable. Arne Slot made those changes to stop this kind of problem. But Liverpool still collapsed. Fantastic from Semenyo, but where was Konaté? He had a really poor night. It’s shocking at this level.”
The former centre-back then widened his attack to the whole team. He accused Liverpool of being reckless, pushing too many players forward without balance. “How many players were ahead of the ball when they were winning 2-1? Maybe eight. That cannot happen. Not at this level,” he said.
Carragher compared this game to Liverpool’s performance in the Community Shield the week before. Against Crystal Palace, they also looked vulnerable and lacked control. “At no point did I feel Liverpool were safe in that game,” he explained.
For him, the pattern is clear: Liverpool under Arne Slot may be exciting, but they are also exposed. Carragher warned that this style of play could cost them the Premier League title.
He continued: “People say they need a centre-back. But a new centre-back doesn’t fix this. It’s about the balance of the team. You’ve got two attacking full-backs, and a number ten who cares more about attacking than defending. If Liverpool play like this all season, they won’t win the league.”
Bournemouth, to their credit, played bravely. They had chances in the first half and could have been 2-0 up before Liverpool struck first. Their pressing and counter-attacks highlighted Liverpool’s weak spots.
Semenyo, in particular, was outstanding. His pace and power ripped through Liverpool’s backline. Carragher admitted the striker deserved credit but insisted the defending was unacceptable.
Fans watching at Anfield celebrated the win, but many agreed with Carragher online. Social media lit up with debates about Konaté’s performance and whether Slot has the tactical discipline to manage Liverpool’s transition after Jürgen Klopp.
Some praised Chiesa and Salah for their clutch goals. Others worried about how easily Bournemouth created chances. The split reflects the bigger question: are Liverpool ready to defend their crown, or will their open style betray them?
Arne Slot, in his post-match comments, defended his team. He said the goals conceded were “moments to learn from” and praised the fighting spirit that carried them to victory. But even he admitted the side must find “better balance.”
Carragher’s verdict, though, was more brutal. “I’ve seen enough football to know this isn’t right. Everyone bombing forward doesn’t win you titles. They need control. Without it, this season could end in disappointment,” he warned.
As Liverpool prepare for their next Premier League clash, the spotlight will stay firmly on Konaté and Slot’s defensive plans. One win on paper, but in Carragher’s eyes, a storm is already brewing at Anfield.
