Jason McAteer pinpoints tactical issue that hurt Liverpool against Chelsea
Jason McAteer believes Chelsea deliberately targeted Curtis Jones during Liverpool’s disappointing 1-1 draw at Anfield, with the former Red insisting the Scouser’s lack of experience at right-back has become a clear weakness.
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Liverpool started brightly and deservedly took the lead through Ryan Gravenberch, but once Chelsea settled into the game their attacks repeatedly moved down the left side via Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer.
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Speaking on The Reaction via the official Liverpool podcast, McAteer explained why he believes the tactical battle is swinging heavily in Chelsea’s favour.
McAteer explains Curtis Jones’ concern
The former Liverpool midfielder pointed out that Jones’ natural instincts as a central midfielder posed defensive problems.
“Curtis is not a natural right back… he likes to drift inside.”
McAteer argued that someone on the ground should have recognized the danger much sooner.
“If I was a leader on this pitch… I would say to him: ‘Look, don’t venture into midfield, just keep your position at right back.'”
That frustration reflected what many fans at Anfield were seeing as Cucurella continually found space on Liverpool’s right flank.
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The former Republic of Ireland international made it clear he was not criticizing the 25-year-old’s efforts, but rather the positional discipline required when playing out of position.
“What I won’t do with Curtis Jones is criticize him for his effort… but sometimes you have to be disciplined and play the position you play.”
Chelsea exposed Liverpool’s weakness
McAteer then explained how Liverpool’s tactical weakness would have looked simple from the Chelsea dugout.
“If I’m the Chelsea manager and I’m looking for the weaknesses in the Liverpool team, the first thing that’s going to come up is who is playing out of position.
This analysis fits with wider criticism surrounding Liverpool’s performance after another passive display against struggling opposition.
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Clinton Morrison admitted he was “fed up” with Arne Slot’s decisions, while Jermaine Pennant branded our head coach a “fraud” after another disappointing game.
Jones himself grew into the contest and thought he had scored in the second half before being denied by the offside flag, but the wider issue remained evident throughout the afternoon.
Liverpool once again looked disjointed defensively, uncertain in possession and far too easy to play once the momentum shifted away from us.
