Are Liverpool falling apart defensively? Alan Shearer delivers blunt verdict after Bournemouth loss | OneFootball

Former striker points to deeper issues behind the loss

Are Liverpool falling apart defensively? Alan Shearer delivers blunt verdict after Bournemouth loss

Alan Shearer said Liverpool paying the price for individual mistakes after their 3-2 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Former Newcastle & England striker Alan Shearer has criticised Liverpool’s defending after their defeat against Bournemouth in matchday 23 of the Premier League.

Liverpool suffered 3-2 loss despite holding two goal advantage earlier in the match.

Speaking to BBC Shearer said Bournemouth deserved full credit for their comeback and described Liverpool’s performance as far below the standard seen last season.

Bournemouth earn praise for fighting back

Shearer highlighted Bournemouth’s strong mentality noting how the team showed real determination to return into match after falling behind.

He said the home side fully deserved the victory because of the effort they produced especially during difficult period for the club.

Shearer also pointed to the work of manager Andoni Iraola saying the coach continues to impress and remains highly rated ahead of the summer when his contract situation could attract attention.

“Liverpool look unbalanced”

From Liverpool’s perspective, Shearer believes the problems run deeper than one defeat. He said the current squad looks far removed from the team seen in the previous campaign.

According to Shearer Liverpool have been inconsistent across the pitch making too many mistakes and showing clear defensive weakness, particularly in the winning goal.

While the Reds scored twice from set pieces, he argued they did not create enough chances from open play.

Individual errors prove costly

Shearer placed special focus on Liverpool’s costly defending. He stated that both goals conceded came from individual errors including a mistake involving Virgil van Dijk in first goal.

He also criticised Liverpool’s decision making while playing with ten men suggesting the team failed to manage key moments properly and ended up paying the price late in the match.

Top four now the priority

Shearer believes Liverpool’s main objective should now be securing qualification for next season’s Champions League either through top-four or top-five finish.

However he admitted this would represent major decline compared to the club’s level last season.