“Nobody took responsibility” – Mark Lawrenson criticises Liverpool’s defence for Wayne Rooney’s goal

Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson has criticised the Reds’ three-man defence after they conceded the opening goal during their trip to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers opted to play three at the back: Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel and full-back-by-trade Glen Johnson, but Lawrenson claimed that that decision meant that the three defenders neglected their duties, as they were lulled into a false sense of security by the belief they had “safety in numbers”.

Nobody tracked United captain Wayne Rooney’s late run into the box and Antonio Valencia calmly slotted the ball back for the England international to place the ball beyond Brad Jones and give the home side the lead.

“If you suddenly decide to play three at the back, then all the three central defenders think there is safety in numbers, and nobody takes responsibility to cover at times,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

“But minutes before, Raheem Sterling should have scored, Liverpool should have been 1-0 up.”

Sterling had the chance to put Liverpool ahead, after being played through on goal by Adam Lallana’s neat, threaded pass, but he hit the ball straight at David de Gea.

United won possession and Valencia broke down the right, making Alberto Moreno look foolish as he skipped beyond the Spaniard and set up Rooney.