Jamie Carragher Criticises Liverpool Defence After Community Shield Defeat | OneFootball

Van Dijk Errors Under Scrutiny as Liverpool Lose to Palace in Community Shield

Defensive Concerns Surface for Arne Slot’s Side

Liverpool’s Community Shield campaign ended in disappointment as Crystal Palace lifted the season’s first silverware at Wembley. Oliver Glasner’s side twice came from behind to beat the Premier League champions, exposing defensive weaknesses that have troubled Liverpool throughout pre-season.

While Arne Slot’s attacking approach again caught the eye in spells, it was the defending that drew the sharpest criticism. Jamie Carragher, watching on, was particularly frustrated with the way Liverpool left themselves open against a clinical Palace side.

“Liverpool looking great going forward but susceptible defensively, as we’ve seen all pre-season. A lot of the goals conceded by LFC have come from going man to man really aggressively & leaving space in behind,” Carragher noted. “Today, [Milos] Kerkez is getting dragged inside with [Ismaila] Sarr leaving [Cody] Gakpo chasing.”

Carragher’s analysis pointed directly to Slot’s high-intensity press, which demands players push up aggressively, creating space for opponents to exploit.

Photo: IMAGO

High Scoring Games on the Horizon

The former Liverpool defender also responded to a supporter suggesting that this approach could result in a season full of high-scoring encounters. His agreement hinted at both the excitement and risk that might define Liverpool’s campaign.

Crystal Palace capitalised fully on the space they were afforded. Adam Wharton’s clever passing and Ismaila Sarr’s pace repeatedly stretched the Liverpool back line, leaving Alisson exposed.

Van Dijk Endures a Difficult Afternoon

It was a rare off day for Virgil van Dijk, who has built his reputation on consistency and composure. The Liverpool captain conceded the penalty that brought Palace level for the first time, before misjudging his positioning in the build-up to the second equaliser.

In the 77th minute, with Liverpool leading 2-1, Van Dijk stepped up for an offside call that never came. Wharton’s through ball released Sarr, who coolly finished past Alisson. Carragher summed up the frustration with a blunt social media post: “Again!”

Two decisive errors in one game from a player of Van Dijk’s stature were almost unthinkable, and they shifted the momentum firmly in Palace’s favour.

Photo IMAGO

Lessons Ahead of the Premier League Opener

Slot’s first full season began with the ultimate domestic prize in May, but this Wembley defeat serves as a reminder of the fine margins at the top level. His high-pressing philosophy is designed to dominate possession and pin opponents back, yet as Carragher highlighted, it also carries vulnerabilities that can be ruthlessly exploited.

The manager now faces the challenge of tightening a defence that, on paper, contains some of the league’s most experienced players. With the Premier League opener looming, Liverpool will want to ensure that their title defence is not undermined by avoidable lapses.

For Palace, the result reinforced their growing belief under Glasner, with silverware adding to their momentum ahead of the new campaign. For Liverpool, it was a warning that their rivals have studied their patterns and know where the gaps appear.