Roy Keane has criticised Liverpool for switching off during their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. The former Manchester United midfielder took aim at the Reds for 'taking a breather' in the aftermath of Ryan Gravenberch's red card.
The Dutchman was sent off by Chris Kavanagh after the hour mark with the showdown on a knife-edge. Liverpool had dominated Enzo Maresca's side and after the restart for the second-half, Gianluigi Donnarumma had to be on his game to thwart the Reds from going in front.
Keane's verdict on Liverpool's collapse
However, minutes after Liverpool were reduced to 10 men, Erling Haaland opened the scoring. City went on to dominate the closing stages, making their man advantage count as Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki rounded off the scoring. It led to Keane accusing Liverpool of feeling sorry for themselves and having a breather at the wrong time.
He said: "When you get a sending off, you start to feel sorry for yourself. Some of the Liverpool players are looking on the outside looking back in, you've got to get back in and then have your breather."
"You've got to get back that extra five or 10 yards, they're having a rest at the wrong time. We did say it was a worry they'd tire, then once the red card, they were feeling sorry for themselves for a few minutes, once that comes, it's three goals in 13 minutes. From what you do at this level, you can't have a breather."
First defeat for Iraola
The 30-minute period after the red card turned the game on its head and meant that Andoni Iraola was handed his first defeat as Liverpool boss.
Liverpool went into Sunday's encounter with City without key attackers Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, following the injuries they picked up during the international break.
Victor Munoz and Lewis Koumas deputised, making a strong impression in their outings for the Reds. Gravenberch turned out his best displays since Iraola took charge while his dismissal courted criticism after dubious first yellow card.
Carragher and Neville clash over Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong came in for criticism from Jamie Carragher for his role in the third goal after being sat down by Cherki, who slid beyond Alisson. He said: "Absolute quality since he (Cherki) come into the squad, what a goal that is. The less said about Frimpong the better, he is all over the place, wow."
But Neville rushed to his defence, he said: "I have to say Carra, I've been a right-back, that is doing me and many more, the drag back is absolutely sensational from Cherki."
