At Anfield on 15/8, Liverpool led 2-0 thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, but Bournemouth equalized with a brace from Antoine Semenyo. Both goals stemmed from counter-attacks, with Semenyo running almost the entire length of the pitch before finishing into the bottom corner for his second.

Antoine Semenyo (green shirt) scores the equalizer, making it 2-2, in the match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at Anfield, Liverpool, UK on the evening of 15/8/2025. Photo: AMA

According to Carragher, center-back Ibrahima Konate was directly at fault for both goals. "When you are leading 2-1 and have eight players high up the pitch, it's unacceptable at this level," he said on Friday Night Football after the match. "Konate had a really bad night."

The 46-year-old former defender said this problem had been evident since pre-season, when Liverpool conceded four goals against AC Milan and two against both Bilbao and Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. He criticized the "all-out attack" style of play that left the team vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Before the Bournemouth match, Liverpool completed the signing of center-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma for 35 million USD and are still in talks to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

However, Carragher believes new signings alone won't solve the issue. "It's a structural problem, with two attacking full-backs and a number 10 who is more of a ball-player than a defender," the former England center-back stated. "If they keep playing like this, Liverpool will not win the title."

Manager Arne Slot celebrates Federico Chiesa's goal to make it 3-2. Photo: Reuters

Meanwhile, manager Arne Slot explained that Liverpool are more vulnerable to counter-attacks due to the absence of Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister not being fully fit. He expects Gravenberch to return, Mac Allister to improve his fitness, and the midfield to regain control.

The Dutch manager also confirmed he won't change his attacking philosophy. He said, "That's our identity. We don't play deep defensively. But it's true that I want to limit the counter-attacks, while still maintaining an attractive style of play."

The Dutch strategist also shared a special moment related to Diogo Jota, the forward who died in a car accident in July along with his brother Andre Silva. "Normally, at 2-2, everyone knows who I would turn to. I wanted to bring Jota on, but now I can't because of that terrible thing," he expressed. "Tonight, the players and the fans did what he used to do so many times for us."

Amidst the difficulties, Federico Chiesa emerged as the hero with a volley to make it 3-2, before Mohamed Salah's right-footed shot sealed the victory.

This was Chiesa's first Premier League goal, and all three of his goals for Liverpool have come after the 88th minute. Slot said Chiesa missed the pre-season tour in Asia and has struggled to regain his fitness, but he wants the Euro 2020 champion to stay at the club.

Hong Duy (via Sky Sports)