JAMIE CARRAGHER CALLS OUT STRUGGLING LIVERPOOL PLAYERS AMID FORM CONCERNS
Jamie Carragher says Liverpool have "too many small players" who can't cope with the Premier League's physicality. The Reds have lost four games in a row after defeat to Man United.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot shakes hands with Jamie Carragher. (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Legendary Liverpool player Jamie Carragher has acknowledged that some of the team's players do not seem to be able to handle the way the Premier League is now being played.
Following Liverpool's unexpected 2-1 home loss to Manchester United today, the analyst speculated on Sky Sports that this Reds team may have too many little players.
The game is currently seeing a phase of longer balls and set pieces than we have seen in a while, and it appears like Arne Slot's team is finding it difficult to handle that style with their current roster.
Carragher's study, which can be found below, identifies diminutive players like Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister as not being suitable for attacking or defending set pieces.
Indeed, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong are not the biggest or most physically strong defenders, and Carragher also implied that the new full-backs are not handling things too well.
Liverpool's losing streak now stands at four games.
After losing four straight games in all competitions, Liverpool is currently on a terrible run of form following their loss to Manchester United.
After winning the Premier League title with relative ease the previous season, LFC was the clear favourite to win it again this year, but their performance has drastically declined.
They were still giving up a lot of goals even at the beginning of the season when they were starting to get results, and it is now seriously hurting them.
It is difficult to see Liverpool going on a winning streak so soon after losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace, 1-0 to Galatasaray, 2-1 to Chelsea, and now 2-1 to United today.
Due to these outcomes, Slot's team is now four points behind league leaders Arsenal, and they have given up 11 goals to the Gunners' three.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.