'Not acceptable' - Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer react to Liverpool's woes

Steven Gerrard has branded Liverpool's recent 1-1 draw against Burnley at Anfield as "not acceptable," slamming the Reds' failure to secure a victory despite their strong unbeaten run. Speaking amid a frustrating streak of underwhelming draws, the Liverpool legend expressed disappointment over the team's inability to convert dominance into wins, highlighting defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing as key issues.[2][3]

Alan Shearer echoed Gerrard's sentiments, pointing out major gaps in Liverpool's performance despite their 12-game unbeaten streak. The former Newcastle striker criticized the side's inconsistency, noting that while the record looks impressive on paper, the quality of results—particularly the recent draw-heavy run—falls short of title-contending standards. Shearer emphasized vulnerabilities exposed in the Burnley match, where Liverpool dropped points unnecessarily.[1][2]

The pundits' reactions come at a pivotal time for Arne Slot's Liverpool. With Mohamed Salah poised to return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after missing seven matches, Slot faces a major selection dilemma. Salah's impending availability for the Champions League clash against Marseille coincides with Florian Wirtz's purple patch, including four goals in his last six appearances while deputizing on the right flank.[1]

On The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer questioned: "What happens now when Salah’s back? What happens with Wirtz? Do you play Wirtz, Salah, [Hugo] Ekitike and another one on the left-hand side?" He suggested Wirtz's versatility could see him shift left, forming a potent front three with Ekitike and Salah, potentially benching Cody Gakpo despite his goal tallies.[1]

Gerrard and Shearer's comments underscore Liverpool's high expectations. While squad depth offers luxury, rotation will be crucial in a packed January schedule of high-stakes fixtures. Slot must balance form players like Wirtz and Ekitike with Salah's experience to end the draw streak and solidify Champions League progression.[1][2][3]

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