Liverpool Cause Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer Embarrassment with Only One Signing 'Excelling'

Liverpool's summer signings have drawn sharp criticism from pundits Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, who claim only one new arrival is truly excelling amid the Reds' faltering Premier League campaign. The article highlights the duo's embarrassment on Match of the Day, where Liverpool's transfer business was dissected, exposing perceived shortcomings in the squad's reinforcements.

Lineker and Shearer pointed to Liverpool's struggles, referencing recent dropped points like the frustrating draw at Fulham. Despite a late Cody Gakpo goal, Harrison Reed's 97th-minute equalizer salvaged a point for the Cottagers, extending Liverpool's unbeaten run to nine but underscoring fine margins in their title defense.^[1] A controversial VAR decision allowed Florian Wirtz's goal to stand—initially flagged offside but overturned due to semi-automated technology's tolerance levels—sparking Lineker's surprise at the "bizarre" call.^[1] Pundits noted Wirtz appeared a foot offside by pitch markings, yet it met the threshold for approval, helping Liverpool avoid defeat.

The core embarrassment stems from Liverpool's signings: only one, unnamed but implied as a standout like Wirtz or Gakpo, is performing at an elite level. The rest are labeled underwhelming, contributing to a season where champions aspire merely for top four, as John Aldridge conceded.^[1] Shearer emphasized "fine margins" deciding games, warning Liverpool's inconsistency could see them on the wrong end of VAR calls.^[1] Fan frustration boils over refereeing inconsistencies, comparing Premier League leniency on handballs to stricter Spanish rules.^[1]

Lineker raised broader title concerns, echoing sentiments on Arsenal's challenges, but Liverpool's plight dominates.^[2] With points slipping away in delicate balances, the pundits' verdict embarrasses Anfield: heavy spending yielded minimal impact, save one exception. As debates rage on officiating and squad depth, pressure mounts on Arne Slot's side to salvage their season.

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