Wayne Rooney has slammed Mohamed Salah for his role in Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool defeated Aston Villa and Real Madrid in a matter of days before suffering a crushing defeat at Man City, with Josep Guardiola’s side dominating on Sunday.
Arne Slott’s side hung back and did not perform well to invite pressure from Man City, who dominated with goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku to win 3-0.
This result is likely to end Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League title, as they sit in eighth place in the table heading into the international break, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
Conor Bradley was competitive against the electric doc and was arguably Liverpool’s lone bright spark against Man City, but Rooney explained why he thinks Salah needs to “help” the right-back.
“Salah is in the team to score goals and create goals,” Rooney said.
Read: 16 takeaways from Man City 3-0 Liverpool: Champions drop to eighth and out of title contention
“He has been one of the best players in the Premier League for the last six or seven years, but he has to double up in the big games.
“I have to go back and help my teammates. Connor Bradley had a really tough game today, to be left alone…”
“Ryan Gravenbirch was trying his best to help him and go over there, but that leaves space in other positions.
“I think Salah has to come back and help his teammates.”
Of Virgil van Dijk’s canceled goal, Rooney added: “It was a good move and a really good header (by Van Dijk).”
“Gianluigi Donnarumma can see the ball all the time. Robertson is next to him and Donnarumma puts his body on the line and dives as fast as he can.”
“Robertson had no influence on the goal. Donnarumma put all his weight on his right foot and dove right in as Van Dijk headed the ball.”
“He’s on his way. It was a really good header and the goal would have been beneficial for me.”
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Man City, on the other hand, are within four points of Arsenal, but after Sunday’s game manager Rooney believes Arsenal will be “a bit nervous”.
“I think it’s difficult for Liverpool at the moment,” Rooney said on the BBC’s podcast.
“I know Arsenal dropped points at the weekend, but if you look at their overall form and how well Man City are doing, it will be difficult for Liverpool.
“But it’s still early in the season so we don’t know. I think Arsenal and Man City are the favorites right now.”
“Arsenal are going to be a bit nervous about Man City coming, but I think it’s going to be one of the two. I’m still probably going with Arsenal. I’m making Arsenal a bit of a favorite.”
