Liverpool endured another memorable game, with Mohamed Salah criticized by manager Wayne Rooney for not performing well defensively.
Wayne Rooney has once again criticized Mohamed Salah, accusing the struggling Liverpool forward of not defending well enough in his team.
The Reds lost to Manchester City on Sunday, their fifth defeat in the Premier League. Across all competitions, they have lost seven of their last 10 games, and although some have ruled them out of title contention, their Carabao Cup defense is already over.
Salah was prolific last year, but has struggled with goals this season despite not being able to shoot regularly up front. The Egyptian player has scored only four goals, but was previously relieved of some of his defensive duties.
This leaves Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley facing City ace Jeremy Doku, who enjoyed a fine afternoon at Ethiad. The Belgian was named player of the match for his stunning stunner, but Rooney believes Bradley should have helped him contain him more.
He told Match of the Day: “Salah can score and create goals in the team. He’s been one of the best players in the Premier League for the last six or seven years. But in big games you have to double up.”
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“You have to go back and help your team-mates. Conor Bradley had a really tough game today to be left alone. Ryan Gravenbirch was trying his best to help him and get back there, but that leaves space in other positions. I think Salah has to come back and help his team-mates.”
Although Salah couldn’t make up for it in the final third, City’s backline held off the likes of him, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirths to close the gap on Arsenal and provide some glimmers of light between them and the champions. If they have any hope of retaining their title, they cannot afford to make any more mistakes.
Rooney has already criticized some aspects of Liverpool’s game this season. After the defeat against Chelsea a few weeks ago, he expressed concern about Salah’s defensive work rate. The former player was adamant that his lack of influence in the final third was no longer enough and questioned him in the effort area.
“It’s great when you’re scoring well and winning games and I think the team will live with that, but this past week I’ve questioned his work ethic,” he said.
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