Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher compared a trait that Jordan Henderson has with Steven Gerrard and it wasn’t a flattering one. The current captain of the side has done a pretty good job of late but the performance of the players in the 4-3 loss against Bournemouth has laid bare the problems at the heart of the team.
The former defender stated that Henderson moved into the back four after Bournemouth had scored their second goal and that ultimately led to the score line becoming 3-3.
Speaking after the game on Sky Sports, Carragher stated:
“Look at what happens at the kick-off. The referee blows his whistle – so just relax. You don’t have to take it then, you can slow it down,” Carragher said after Eddie Howe’s men had made it 3-2.
“Pass it back to the centre-back and knock it long, that’s what they should have done. Some of the players aren’t back in position but Divock Origi passes it quickly and allows Bournemouth to press.
“It goes straight to Jordan Henderson, he passes to James Milner who is getting pressed and panic sets in.”
The former Red continued his assessment of the situation and even stated that Joel Matip was a big miss for the side as they capitulated despite leading 3-1 in the second half.
“He passes it straight out and the crowd are straight up again. Thirty seconds later, Lovren runs out of defence, doesn’t make a tackle and fouls. Panic has set in – and Joel Matip was a huge miss.
“Panic has set in and instead of Jordan Henderson keeping his position, like he would do at 0-0; he rushes into the back four. Steven Gerrard used to sometimes do it and I hated it when he did it.”
A lot of work ahead for Liverpool
Carragher was correct in his analysis as the Liverpool players just crumbled under the pressure and the lack of a calming figure was missing in the side. Most of the players had a pretty poor game, especially in the second half but credit must be given to Bournemouth for coming out fighting in the second half.
Liverpool now sit four points behind high-flying Chelsea, who did defeat Manchester City 3-1, and the Reds will have to pick themselves up for the match against West Ham at Anfield. Home comforts should help the Reds out as they are yet to face defeat at Anfield but they would have to put the Hammers to the sword if they are to exorcise the demons from their last match.
The Reds have a great attack at the moment but Klopp does have to work on the defence. He did state that he was upset with the result of the game and how his team just were not performing well, even though they were up by two goals.
It will be interesting to see just how the Reds react to the loss but West Ham should be wary of a backlash from the Merseyside club.
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