I know where Liverpool are going wrong right now - and it isn't the defence

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Plenty has been made of Liverpool’s remarkable victory at Newcastle United on Monday night.

But for me there is one problem Arne Slot must address – and it isn’t necessarily the defence.

The balance of the midfield isn’t quite right just yet.



But he is much more of an attacking force than any of the players who featured in the role last season, and that’s putting more defensive pressure on the other two midfielders.

Really, of those on the books, only Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo could be deemed defensive-minded, although Mac Allister isn’t too bad in that regard.

The worry for me is the defence isn’t being given the protection it needs, not least when up against a team who plays the long ball as much as Newcastle did.

We just need to get that balance right – and we know it’s possible for Slot because we won the championship last season – because it really didn’t help us on Monday, which was like a war for Newcastle, primarily due to the Alexander Isak situation.

I’m not sure what malice Newcastle should have towards Liverpool over Isak – the Reds simply want to buy the player, made a massive bid and Isak wants to come.

It’s not Liverpool’s fault he doesn’t want to play for Newcastle.

But it made for a lively atmosphere.

Slot will know that.

Rio grand - but don't be hasty

It was written in the stars for Rio Ngumoha to come on and score the winner at Newcastle.

But rather than now heap expectation on the youngster, let his development takes its course naturally.

I was practically in the Anfield Road Stand with the home supporters!

But I was 27 when scoring the winner against Southampton at home – Ngumoha is not even 17 yet and to score such a dramatic strike at Newcastle is a much bigger stage.

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It showed the bottle the lad has demonstrated whenever he’s been given a chance with the first team.

Plenty of us were gutted about Luis Diaz leaving, but you can see why Liverpool don’t want to potentially stunt the growth of Ngumoha.

We can’t put too much expectation on his shoulders, but you can’t help but get excited.