Manchester United icon Gary Neville has called out Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk for their role in Everton's opening goal against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday.
Jurgen Klopp's side have suffered a dip in form in recent weeks having been knocked out of both the FA Cup and Europa League.
It's had an impact on their results in the league with Mohamed Salah and co struggling to build up momentum for the final few weeks of the season.
Liverpool have dropped back in the title race and Arsenal's 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea on Tuesday left Klopp's side needing a win against Everton to move back level at the top of the table.
Jarrad Branthwaite gave Everton the lead
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But the Reds were caught napping in the early stages of the match as Everton came out the traps quickly.
Liverpool's defence were caught out on several occasions and Everton eventually got the breakthrough when Jarrad Branthwaite bundled in a scrappy goal.
Klopp was furious on the touchline and Neville laid the blame at Liverpool's two centre-backs for their role.
"Van Dijk and Konate need to get a grip on this game," he said.
"It is as if Liverpool have been shocked at what Everton have thrown at them."
Liverpool began to work their way back into the half as they threatened to equalise.
But Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah were all guilty of snatching at chances in front of goal.
Jamie Carragher also criticised his former team at half-time for failing to silence the Goodison Park faithful.
Virgil van Dijk had a first half to forget
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"How many times have Liverpool given away free-kicks?" Carragher said.
"Everton definitely deserved to go in front.
"The naivety of Liverpool in how to play a derby game..."
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Liverpool have gone behind regularly this season
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Manchester City have the title in their hands at the moment as they have two games in hand on their rivals but are just four points adrift of Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola's side travel to Brighton on Thursday before taking on Nottingham Forest this Sunday.
Liverpool will be hoping to pile the pressure on this weekend when they face West Ham.
