Alan Shearer and Robbie Fowler were critical of Joe Gomez’s defending during Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as they told Premier League Productions (22/10/22 at 2:35 pm).
After giving away a penalty against West Ham United in midweek, which wasn’t punished because Alisson Becker saved Jarrod Bowen’s spot-kick, Gomez was in the wrong once again, this time against Forest.
At first, the 25-year-old gave away a needless foul, which resulted in Forest playing the ball out wide, putting the ball into the danger area, before Taiwo Awoniyi was there to score from point-blank range.
In this instance of defending that set-play, given that Liverpool like to play a high line, when the ball was played into the box from Forest’s right channel, those in white were stood still, including Gomez.
It’s like they had glue stuck to their studs and it was, in the end, a very poor goal to concede, but a deserved three points for Steve Cooper’s side.
When analysing Gomez’s role during Liverpool’s defeat yesterday, Shearer and Fowler were critical of the Englishman.
“He has got loads of time,” said Fowler. “He picks the ball up and he has ten yards of space, then all of a sudden, it becomes a battle, gives the free-kick away and gets a yellow card.
“He literally has ten yards of space. Any player should be getting ten yards of space, then finding out whatever pass you need.”
Shearer added: “It’s good from Forest, the way they close down. Awoniyi, the way he works and then he gets his reward. You work hard and get your free-kick – then get the cross into the danger area.
“Then, the two centre halves, Gomez, in particular, he’s not marking anyone. Awoniyi is the quickest to react and he deserved that.”
GOMEZ HAS DECLINED
It’s a crying shame because prior to Gomez’s long-term injury, he could have argued that he was the regular starter alongside, Virgil van Dijk.
He was an England international and someone who could argue that he is the best centre-back for his country.
But since returning from his spell on the sidelines, the former Charlton man has looked like a different player and his struggles just won’t go away.
It wouldn’t be a surprise that once Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate return from injury, then Gomez might find himself back on the bench.
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