Liverpool’s faltering title defence came under fierce scrutiny on Sunday as pundits Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane launched a blistering attack on the Premier League champions following their frustrating 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Anfield.
Both former stars tore into Arne Slot's men after the Reds squandered victory in dramatic fashion, conceding deep into stoppage time for the eighth time in the league this season.
Liverpool looked set to secure three points after Dominik Szoboszlai fired them ahead in the 18th minute with a curling free kick.
But the mood inside Anfield turned sour in the dying moments when Richarlison pounced to score a dramatic equaliser for Spurs.
The late goal rescued a valuable point for Tottenham, who arrived on Merseyside in dreadful form after enduring an 11-match winless run in the Premier League.
For Liverpool, however, it was another painful reminder of how their season has unravelled.
Carragher was among the most vocal critics, describing Liverpool’s display as “awful” while questioning whether the current squad has the right mentality to compete at the top level.
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, the former defender could barely hide his frustration.
Dominik Szoboszlai fired Liverpool ahead against Tottenham on Sunday
|PA
“It was an awful performance,” Carragher said.
“No disrespect to Tottenham, but they have probably been the worst team in the Premier League over the last couple of months.”
“They are exactly the team you want to face at home when the results around you have gone your way. To put in a performance like that just isn’t good enough.”
Carragher then went further, raising concerns about whether manager Arne Slot has the right squad profile to restore Liverpool’s trademark intensity.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSThe pundit suggested too many of Liverpool’s summer signings lack the work rate and resilience needed to grind out results.
“There are too many players who only want to play when the ball is at their feet,” he added.
“They don’t want to dig in and make things difficult. That’s why teams find it easy to play against Liverpool right now.”
Carragher’s damning verdict was echoed by Keane, who delivered an even harsher assessment of Liverpool’s campaign.
The former Manchester United captain branded the Reds 'bad champions' and highlighted the staggering gap that has opened up between them and league leaders Arsenal.
“Liverpool have been bad champions,” Keane said bluntly in the Sky Sports studio.
“They’re 21 points behind Arsenal. That is a massive drop-off.”
Keane suggested there may be deeper issues behind the scenes, insisting the current squad lacks unity and hunger.
Richarlison scored at the death as Tottenham nabbed a draw against Liverpool at Anfield
| REUTERS“I think there are problems in the background,” he added. “There are details you can fix on the pitch, but I don’t think everyone is on the same page.”
The Irishman also questioned the mentality of the Liverpool players, referencing what he felt were excessive celebrations after securing last season’s title.
“When you win the league you enjoy it, but the real challenge is backing it up the following year,” Keane said. “That’s what big clubs are expected to do.”
Instead, Liverpool have endured a campaign filled with defensive lapses and costly mistakes.
Keane singled out the stoppage-time goal conceded against Spurs, describing it as “schoolboy stuff” and insisting experienced players should have managed the situation better.
“There’s something missing with this Liverpool group,” he continued. “When I look at their mentality, their work rate and how they defend, I don’t like what I see.”
The draw leaves Liverpool fifth in the Premier League table after 30 matches, having missed the chance to move into the top four earlier in the day.
They remain five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and three adrift of Manchester United in third.