Alan Shearer has delivered a damning verdict on Liverpool's current form, claiming the team look 'miles off' the side that challenged for the Premier League title last season. The former Newcastle striker made the comments after Liverpool's dramatic 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, a result that extended their winless run in the league to five matches.
Liverpool had recovered from 2-0 down to level through two set-piece goals, but Amine Adli bundled home a late winner after a chaotic scramble in the box. Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day, said Bournemouth deserved the victory and highlighted Liverpool's defensive frailties and lack of creativity from open play.
“Liverpool just don't look right in all areas,” Shearer said. “They're making too many errors and are weak defensively, as we saw with the winning goal. While they scored two goals from set-pieces, they didn't create anywhere near enough from open play.” He added that the team's focus should now be on securing a top-four finish, a significant drop from last season's title challenge.
Former Premier League defender Ashley Williams echoed Shearer's concerns, describing Liverpool as 'disjointed' and questioning whether manager Arne Slot knows his best team. “They've got problems at both ends of the pitch, and they're lacking that desire and ruthlessness in front of goal, and to defend the goal,” Williams said.
Liverpool now face a daunting run of fixtures including Newcastle and Manchester City in the league, as well as a Champions League clash with Qarabag. The pressure continues to mount on Slot, who has seen his side drop out of the title race and slip in the fight for Champions League qualification.
