Jamie Carragher calls out Liverpool player for ‘awkward’ moment against Arsenal
Jamie Carragher wasn’t happy with Alexis Mac Allister’s attempt to get Noni Madueke sent off during Liverpool’s Premier League loss to Arsenal.
The match at Anfield was full of action from start to finish, with Arsenal winning 1-0 for the first time there in 14 years on Sunday (November 1). A close-range Kai Havertz goal, set up perfectly by Declan Rice just 16 minutes in, was enough for Arsenal to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League, after Manchester City lost to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Fans at Anfield saw a thrilling game between two of the league’s best teams, and Liverpool really should have at least earned a draw, but they missed several great chances to score. There was plenty of drama too, like when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak’s shirt in the box, nearly stopping a goal from Bradley Barcola’s cross.
Mac Allister was also in the thick of the action. Late in the second half, Arsenal players were upset when the Argentine angrily shouted at Martin Odegaard while he was on the ground after a foul. Mac Allister then clashed with Timber and Madueke before dramatically falling to the ground with almost no contact, clearly trying to get Madueke sent off.
Referee Andy Madley saw through this acting, and so did Jamie Carragher. On Sky Sports, Carragher called Mac Allister a “joke” and said his behaviour was “embarrassing.”
“I wanted Liverpool to win, but I’m glad Madueke didn’t get sent off,” Carragher said. “We have to call this out. It’s ridiculous and it needs to stop. If someone heads butts, that’s a red card. But if it’s a head-to-head and one player falls easily and the other gets sent off, it’s wrong. Mac Allister’s actions were a joke, and this sort of thing just can’t continue.”
Mac Allister is known for his passion and sometimes reckless play, fully committed to his club. But Carragher was right to call out how he handled the incident with Madueke.
This frustration might also show where Mac Allister stands at Liverpool now. According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, he’s been told he can leave the club either in January or next summer.
Andoni Iraola, looking to reshape his midfield, is interested in signing Bournemouth’s Alex Scott—whom he signed from Bristol City three years ago—and selling Mac Allister could help make that big move happen.
In his three and a half years at Liverpool, the Argentine midfielder has scored 23 goals and provided 21 assists in 164 games.