Michael Owen critical of Caoimhin Kelleher as Liverpool record stunning 4-3 win over Fulham

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Michael Owen was critical of Caoimhin Kelleher during Liverpool’s sensational 4-3 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday at Anfield.

With Liverpool’s number one goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, facing a period on the sidelines after a hamstring injury, it has opened the door for Caoimhin Kelleher to start.

The Republic of Ireland international has been used in the Europa League by Jurgen Klopp this season, but the win over Fulham was just his sixth start in the Premier League. 

In what was a topsy-turvy game where Fulham just wouldn’t stay down, just before the break, they levelled the scores to make it 2-2 when Kenny Tete scored from a corner. 

Michael Owen felt it was an avoidable goal for the Reds because he couldn’t understand why Caoimhin Kelleher ‘darted off his line’, as he told Premier League Productions (03/12/23 at 3:05 pm). 

There are probably some who would argue that if a certain Alisson Becker was in between the sticks, then such a goal wouldn’t have been conceded.

Caoimhin Kelleher’s performance for Liverpool against Fulham

“I must admit, I thought the goalkeeper could do a little better here,” said Owen. “I don’t know why he starts darting off his line, for some reason and that kills his time.

“If he stays on his line, then he gets much more time to save that, maybe with his feet, then all of a sudden, he can’t react in time.”

Alisson Becker – one of the best in the world

When you are filling in for a goalkeeper who is one of the best in the world and perhaps the best in the Premier League, then it’s going to be pretty hard.

The issue for Liverpool is that, for a long while now, they are still conceding chances and goals, despite their attacking fire red hot.

That’s something Kelleher has to deal with because Liverpool are still trying to find their feet from a defensive aspect.

It remains to be seen when Alisson will return, but on paper, it’s a much easier tie for Liverpool on Wednesday night because they take on bottom-of-the-table, Sheffield United.