Jamie Carragher singles out 'really poor' Liverpool star after Bournemouth performance

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Jamie Carragher has delivered a damning assessment of Liverpool's start to the campaign - despite witnessing them defeat Bournemouth 4-2. The Reds commenced their Premier League title defence with a thrilling triumph during which they relinquished a two-goal advantage in the second period.

Antoine Semenyo's double brought Bournemouth back on level pegging before super substitute Federico Chiesa struck home in the 88th minute to restore Liverpool's advantage. Mo Salah wrapped things up with a sublime individual effort, ensuring that the champions made the ideal beginning - at least regarding the outcome.

Carragher remained unimpressed with Liverpool's showing, arguing that Arne Slot's team lacked control just as in last Sunday's Community Shield. The Reds icon also singled out Ibrahima Konate, condemning his "really poor" display after Semenyo left him trailing to net his and the Cherries' second strike.

The leveller arrived after Slot had implemented several changes in an attempt to strengthen their backline, having shipped 11 goals across the previous six matches. Following the final whistle, Carragher raged on Sky Sports: "It is unbelievable. Arne Slot's made those changes to make sure things like this don't happen. Fantastic from Semenyo - but Liverpool have had this problem.

"How many players were ahead of the ball - maybe eight players - when they were winning 2-1? That can't happen. It's absolutely shocking at this level.

"For Semenyo to run that far and get his shot away is incredible - but where Konate is going? He had a really, really poor night tonight at centre-back.

"That is not right. It's not. It's not only game on top of the Community Shield - but I've watched enough football in my life. This idea that everyone bombs forward, it's not for me. I don't like it.

(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

"At no time last week in the Community Shield did I ever feel Liverpool were in control of the game. You can draw 2-2 with Palace, that can happen.

"But it's how easy Crystal Palace could get at Liverpool, how easy it was tonight. In the first half, Bournemouth should have been at least 2-0 up at one stage.

"There is definitely a problem that Arne Slot has to solve. People say 'they need a centre-back'. A centre-back doesn't fix that. He just takes Konate's place.

"It's about the make-up of the team with two attacking full-backs and a number ten who more interested in getting on the ball than defending like Szoboszlai was last season. If Liverpool continue like that, I don't think they will win the league."

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