Wayne Rooney SLAMS Liverpool's 'school-boy' defending for Jarrad Branthwaite's goal in Merseyside...

The first goal was scored by Jarrad Branthwaite when Liverpool did not properly clear the ball. Wayne Rooney criticized the defense, calling it childish, while Jamie Carragher described it as terrible. In an episode of It's All Kicking Off, Phil Foden shares his experience playing under Pep Guardiola. You can listen to this special on Spotify, Apple, or any other platform where you listen to podcasts.

Posted: 10 PM BST on April 24, 2024 | Revised: 12:02 AM BST on April 25, 2024.

Wayne Rooney criticized the defense tactics of Liverpool as being immature and resembling that of a school-boy during Everton's initial goal scoring.

The team led by Jurgen Klopp found themselves losing in the local derby game after not being able to adequately remove the ball from their own half. This led to Jarrad Branthwaite scoring in the 27th minute.

Once again, the Toffees scored a goal from a set piece. Rooney noted that Liverpool's defense was unable to stop it.

The ex-striker for Manchester United and Everton commented, "We've observed this happening five or six instances now; Everton has secured the first encounter within the penalty box."

Liverpool must have been aware that one of Everton's strongest points is their ability to pull defenders in. The way they scored that goal was quite basic and unrefined.

In a recent match, Wayne Rooney strongly criticized the lackluster defensive performance of Liverpool, labeling it as "school boy" level, especially when they conceded the first goal to Everton.

At the half hour point, Jarrad Branthwaite (L) managed to score the first goal by nudging the ball into the net.

Liverpool had various chances to clear their lines, but unfortunately for them, the defender managed to score a goal instead.

Everton has exerted pressure on their opponent and at half-time, they have earned a well-deserved lead.

Jamie Carragher, who used to play for the Reds, shared similar thoughts by pointing out Liverpool's weakness in defending during set pieces.

"Terrible. How often has Liverpool committed fouls resulting in free-kicks?" Carragher inquired.

This is what Everton is all about. Konate seems to be lost and confused.

Liverpool's lack of experience in playing a derby game is showing their naivety.

Jamie Carragher expressed the same opinion as Rooney by using the word 'awful' to describe Liverpool's defensive performance.

Just shy of the 60 minute mark, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a goal with his head that put Everton ahead by two points. This unexpected turn of events resulted in Liverpool being defeated.

The loss at Goodison has damaged the chances of Liverpool winning the championship as they are now trailing behind the front-runners Arsenal by three points.

Liverpool is still leading by one point, but Manchester City has two upcoming games to catch up.