Alan Shearer highlights Liverpool 'big concern' after transfer disaster

Alan Shearer has voiced his concerns over Liverpool's defensive frailties after the Reds suffered a last-gasp defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Despite a late equaliser from Federico Chiesa in the 87th minute, Arne Slot's men were unable to secure a point as Eddie Nketiah netted a dramatic winner for the Eagles in the 97th minute, marking Liverpool's first league loss of the season.

Following Arsenal's own last-minute victory at Newcastle United on Sunday, Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League has been whittled down to just two points.

Despite their position at the summit, Liverpool have struggled to find their best form this season, following a hectic transfer window that saw them splash out £450m.

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With only two clean sheets from their nine matches across all competitions this season, and having conceded twice in five of those games, it's clear that defence is an area of concern. The Reds have also relied on late goals to clinch victory on five occasions.

Ibrahima Konate has faced criticism recently due to his inconsistent performances, with rumours swirling about his future ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Adding insult to injury, Marc Guehi, saw a £35m move to Anfield collapse on transfer deadline day, played a key role in Liverpool's downfall on Saturday as he set up the winning goal for Crystal Palace after a strong defensive performance.

Shearer was full of praise for the England international following the Eagles' victory over the Reds, acknowledging that it's clear why Liverpool were keen to sign Guehi.

However, the Match of the Day pundit highlighted Konate's struggles this season as he expressed his worry at Liverpool's defensive performances.

"It was a big thing keeping Marc Guehi because he was the outstanding defender," Shearer commented on The Rest Is Football Podcast. "And you can understand exactly why Liverpool wanted to sign him, as well as other clubs but also why Glasner and Palace wanted to keep him so badly.

"He (Konate) was, he got robbed two or three times and they should've scored with a couple of his errors.

"But it's a bit of a concern for Liverpool, defensively they've not been great at all, the chances and the way Palace went through them with ease, it was so easy for them at times. It would be a big concern."

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