Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was scathing of his former team after their 2-0 defeat to Everton, singling out two players in particular for criticism.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped Everton secure their first Merseyside derby win since October 2010.
The result leaves a double bitter taste for Liverpool, who have their title hopes seriously damaged with four games left in the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s team currently occupies second place in the standings, three points behind Arsenal. However, third-place Manchester City have two games less than Liverpool and are just one point behind.
And reflecting on the visitors’ defeat at Goodison Park, Carragher did not hesitate to assign blame.
Two Liverpool players were criticized by Jamie Carragher after their 2-0 defeat to Everton
Carragher was unimpressed with the duo after Wednesday’s Merseyside derby defeat.
Jarrad Branthwaite (left) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin score Everton’s goals at Goodison Park
The first player to come into Carragher’s sights was Ibrahima Konate after Branthwaite’s first goal in the 27th minute. In the build-up to the goal, Konate failed to stop a ball that crossed the boss with his leg outstretched, much to the chagrin of Carragher. by Carragher.
“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.
“Everton have been fantastic, certainly with the set pieces, it seemed like they wanted to score in each of them.
‘The amount of times Liverpool have committed fouls in their own half and Konate, what is he doing?! He doesn’t know where he is. He just tries hard.
“But Everton definitely deserved to go forward and get a goal from a set piece.”
Konate was substituted just after the hour mark, but team-mate Alexis Mac Allister played the full duration and frustrated Carragher with his performance in midfield.
“Liverpool’s naivety in how a derby is played. They got away with the penalty,” the 46-year-old said.
Ibrahima Konate (left) and Alexis Mac Allister were the duo caught in his crosshairs.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for an answer when they face West Ham on Saturday.
“Forget about this game, every time you come to Goodison as a Liverpool player, there are two rules you will always abide by: don’t make silly fouls and get the crowd going, and move the ball quickly and don’t let tackles in.
“Mac Allister in midfield, who has been fantastic for Liverpool this season, has made so many fouls and is taking too long on the ball and is allowing people to tackle them and that gets the crowd going.”
All those associated with Liverpool will demand a performance response when they travel to West Ham in the 12.30pm Premier League kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
