Jamie Carragher criticised Andoni Iraola's tactics after Liverpool conceded two goals in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, with the former defender posting on Twitter that the midfield setup was 'madness'. The result leaves Liverpool without a win in their opening Premier League match, as Newcastle twice took the lead through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock before Dominik Szoboszlai's 96th-minute penalty rescued a point.
Newcastle dominate early exchanges
Newcastle were the better side at St. James' Park on Sunday, taking an early lead through Anthony Elanga. Cody Gakpo equalised after the break, but Joe Willock scored just seconds after coming off the bench to restore the home side's advantage. The Magpies were on course for victory until the 96th minute, when Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz in the box and Szoboszlai converted the resulting penalty.
Liverpool looked vulnerable in Iraola's first game since replacing Arne Slot, with Newcastle consistently overrunning the midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz. Carragher was incensed by Elanga's goal on the counter-attack, posting: 'LFC Midfield all bombing forward happened all pre-season, madness!' After Willock's goal in similar circumstances, he added: 'Again! This midfield cannot work, I said it before a competitive ball was kicked.'
Sturridge urges signing of defensive midfielder
Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge echoed Carragher's concerns, urging Iraola to sign a new No.6 before the transfer window closes on September 1. 'I think the team needs a defensive midfielder personally,' Sturridge told Sky Sports. 'We've been talking about the defensive midfielder at Liverpool for the past three years. Gravenberch coming into the team, playing consistently and Liverpool winning the Premier League changed that philosophy. But if you actually analyse the midfield, they're all naturally more attacking players.'
Sturridge pointed to Brentford's Mamadou Sangare as an example of the profile Liverpool lack, citing his stats: third in interceptions, third in tackles, and third in possession recovered. '£39million, that's not a load of money for someone like Liverpool. I'm not suggesting he was the man [they should've signed] but the stats jump out and Liverpool don't have that profile of player right now.'
Transfer focus remains on winger
Liverpool have not been heavily linked with a new defensive midfielder, with the club instead focusing on a new winger to replace Mohamed Salah. The Reds have seen two bids for Yankuba Minteh rejected, with Brighton reportedly seeking £70m for the Gambia international. No further signings have been confirmed before the September 1 deadline.
