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Jamie Carragher has criticised Arsenal centre-back William Saliba for his role in Liverpool’s opening goal during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield, labelling the Frenchman’s positioning as “really poor.”
Saliba was caught out of position in the 20th minute, allowing Cody Gakpo to break through and fire Liverpool into the lead. The Gunners’ high defensive line was exposed after a quick throw-in from Andy Robertson led to the goal, with Carragher pointing fingers at the lack of defensive communication and organisation.
“We know Arsenal like to go man to man when teams are playing out from the back,” Carragher said during Sky Sports’ halftime analysis. “Saliba has got to get across and cover Ben White—his starting position is really poor.
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“White is done with a ball over the top and ends up at centre-back. Saliba is at right-back. Where’s the leadership? Someone has to be telling someone to get out there. Saliba gets caught in no man’s land—he’s not at right-back, and he’s not at centre-back. This is really poor.”
William Saliba could not prevent Luis Díaz from scoring Liverpool’s first goal in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield (Image credit: Getty Images)Despite the early setback and a second goal from Luis Díaz, Arsenal mounted a spirited comeback after the break. Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back with a header in the 47th minute, converting a Leandro Trossard cross. Mikel Merino then levelled the scores, pouncing on a rebound after Alisson tipped Martin Ødegaard’s shot onto the crossbar.
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However, Merino’s performance took a downturn when he was sent off in the 79th minute for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge near his own penalty area, forcing Arsenal to finish the match with ten men.
The draw leaves Arsenal 15 points adrift of Premier League champions Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s side remain in second place and in control of their Champions League qualification hopes heading into the final stretch of the season.
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