Midfield doubts deepen after Liverpool’s chaotic defeat at Newcastle – will the club act in the window?

Just over four minutes into the match at St James’ Park, Liverpool looked encouraging, playing with possession and a sense of urgency.

Ryan Gravenberch created space with a neat touch to beat Lewis Miley, yet he chose to lose the ball instead of shooting from the edge of the box or releasing Dominik Szoboszlai.

Eleven seconds later, Newcastle took the lead when Anthony Elanga struck following a swift counter‑attack that began with a single pass after Amar Dedic cleared the ball.

Liverpool lacked defensive structure when out of possession, offering a rudimentary display that proved a nightmare start for manager Andoni Iraola.

The second half saw a repeat: Gravenberch was dispossessed after attempting a back‑heel on the edge of Newcastle’s box.

Yoane Wissa burst through the centre, evading several Liverpool defenders, and played the ball to Joe Willock, who finished with confidence.

After the match, Iraola hinted that one of his players should have known how to commit a foul in that situation, but Liverpool were punished once more.

Reviewing both goals, Gravenberch’s decision‑making needed improvement, and the centre‑back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet could have pressed earlier instead of holding off.

However, positioning a dedicated defensive midfielder would most likely have nullified the threat.

Liverpool have not fielded a traditional number six since Fabinho’s departure in 2023, and Iraola currently prefers a two‑man pivot in midfield, with Florian Wirtz operating as a number 10.

Both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were positioned in the Newcastle box when Liverpool lost possession, setting up Elanga’s opener.

If Liverpool are to be taken seriously, they cannot afford to concede goals in such a manner on a regular basis.

Source link