Carragher Delivers Scathing Verdict on Salah and Gakpo After Liverpool's Dramatic Victory
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher unleashed a blistering critique of star forwards Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo following what he described as 'one of the greatest robberies' in the Premier League this season. Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest with a 97th-minute strike from Alexis Mac Allister, but Carragher was far from impressed with the overall performance.
'One of the Biggest Robberies' This Season
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher did not mince his words about the nature of Liverpool's late triumph at the City Ground. 'That's one of the biggest robberies I've seen in the Premier League this season, it really is,' the pundit declared emphatically. He argued that Arne Slot's side appeared destined to drop two crucial points in their chase for a Champions League qualification spot before Mac Allister's intervention deep into stoppage time.
Ngumoha Outshines Established Stars
Carragher reserved particular criticism for Salah and Gakpo, contrasting their contributions with that of young substitute Rio Ngumoha. 'Rio Ngumoha came on in the 77th minute, he did more in 15 minutes than Gakpo and Salah did in the whole game,' Carragher stated. 'He changed the game this kid. He needs to be starting games now. He's that good.' This stark assessment highlighted the underwhelming displays from Liverpool's established attacking talents.
First-Half Display Labelled Among Worst
The ex-defender was equally scathing about Liverpool's collective performance, especially during the opening period. Carragher bluntly described the first-half showing as 'one of the worst of the lot,' underscoring the team's struggles against a Nottingham Forest side battling relegation. His analysis pointed to systemic issues beyond individual underperformers.
Jones Also in the Firing Line
Carragher extended his critique to midfielder Curtis Jones, identifying a recurring flaw in the player's game. 'He is always taking too many touches, he needs to be sharper,' Carragher observed. 'That's been an issue for his entire Liverpool career. He's always wanting too much time on the ball.' This comment suggested deeper concerns about player development and decision-making within the squad.
Late Drama and League Implications
The match's climax was fraught with controversy. Mac Allister initially believed he had scored in the 90th minute when a clearance rebounded off him into the net, only for VAR to disallow the goal for a handball. His subsequent 97th-minute winner proved decisive, lifting Liverpool to sixth place, level on points with Manchester United and Chelsea in the tight race for Champions League football.
For Nottingham Forest, managed by Vitor Pereira, the late defeat was a crushing blow. The team now sits just two points above the relegation zone, with Mac Allister's strike exacerbating their survival worries. The result encapsulates the fine margins defining both ends of the Premier League table this season.
