“In big games, you have to double up” - Wayne Rooney hits out at Liverpool star for not helping his teammate in 3-0 loss against Manchester City

Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney criticized Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah for his lack of defensive effort in the Reds' 3-0 defeat to Manchester City (November 9). The Englishman claimed that the Egyptian forward, operating on the right flank, did not track back while his team was defending, leaving right-back Conor Bradley 'on his own'.

During the game, City often dominated proceedings on the left flank, with Jeremy Doku finding a lot of space to operate. The Belgian burst into the Liverpool box and won a penalty in the 10th minute; however, the ensuing spot-kick was missed by Norwegian marksman Erling Haaland.

A few minutes later, however, Haaland did score the opener on the night (28'), and Nico Gonzalez added a second via a slick corner routine on the stroke of half-time (45+3'). City continued attacking down the left wing and capitalised on Salah's lacklustre back-tracking in the 63rd minute, when left-back Nico O'Reilly set Doku up for a stunning right-footed curler to seal the game.

After the game, Rooney lashed out at Salah, asserting that he needs to show more determination in high-octane games against top-quality opposition. Speaking on BBC's Match Of The Day, the 40-year-old said (via Metro):

"Salah is in the team to score goals and create goals. He’s been one of the best players in the Premier League over the last six or seven years. But in big games, you have to double up. You have to get back and help your teammate. Conor Bradley was having a really tough game today, to be left on his own… Ryan Gravenberch was trying his best to help him and get over there, but then that leaves spaces in other positions. I think Salah has to come back and help his teammate."

Although Liverpool started their season with five consecutive Premier League wins, five losses in their last six league fixtures has left them reeling in eighth place on the standings (18 points).

"It is crisis time" - Manchester United legend Roy Keane makes claim about Liverpool after loss vs Manchester City

Manchester United icon Roy Keane has claimed that 'it is crisis time' for Liverpool after a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City (November 9).

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, the Irishman said (via Liverpool Echo):

"I think it is crisis time for Liverpool. It's okay to lose to a club like Man City - it's a tough place to come. But to lose seven in ten - five league losses already - It has to be a crisis for them. I thought they looked like a really weak team today. The manager said he was pleased with the second half, but the game was over! It's easy to play well when you're not playing for anything." "City looked stronger, technically better and more physical. Liverpool still had moments, they've always got quality, but the goals they're giving away - their decision making - was not good enough. There was a lack of intensity, a lack of energy. The subs, when they came on, looked really soft," Keane added.

The Reds will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming matchup, a Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest after a short international break (November 22).

Edited by Aaryan Nagraj