Simon Jordan launches passionate defence of Liverpool and aims sarcastic Jamie Carragher dig

Simon Jordan has dismissed suggestions about Liverpool's form in a fiery defence of the Premier League leaders. The talkSPORT presenter dismissed Jamie Carragher's criticisms following their 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday night.

Victor Osimhen's spot-kick handed Arne Slot's men a second successive defeat as they couldn't recover from Saturday's crushing late loss to Crystal Palace. The Premier League pacesetters are coming under fire as their struggles continue, with their title-winning squad falling short and their summer signings yet to meet expectations.

Liverpool conclude their punishing run of three straight away fixtures against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, with Arne Slot facing questions for the first time after a fairy-tale first campaign at Anfield. Jordan has argued that the issues aren't as bad as they're being portrayed, with the divisive broadcaster backing Liverpool.

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As quoted by the Liverpool ECHO, the former Crystal Palace chairman said: "Oooh, they've lost two games, they're top of the Premier League. They lost to Nottingham Forest at home last season in their first three or four games.

"The only difference in this situation is that they haven't looked so assured. I remember watching Liverpool in the first game of the season against Ipswich and they weren't looking great either.

"Let's get things into context: they're top of the Premier League, they've lost to Palace who haven't been beaten by anybody in 18 games including some of the best teams in the country, so there's no great shame there.

"The fact is because they've spent £400million over three transfer windows, they've replaced players they were forced to through tragedies, which increased expenditure that they wouldn't have to do, so they're going through a bit of a blip for five seconds. It'll all assemble itself."

Carragher insisted that Liverpool's current displays don't reflect those of a 'top team' and are far removed from the performances that helped Slot secure the Premier League title in his debut campaign. Jordan couldn't help but take a swipe at the former defender's suggestions that there's little cause for concern regarding the Reds.

The talkSPORT host added: "I'm sure Slot was all ears with his notebook taking down everything that Jamie said. I like Jamie and I think a lot of the time what he says is worth listening to, in this instance he's making noise on a television show to create reaction in it.

"You're top of the Premier League, you're not playing particularly well but the key component of any side is that if you can win the majority of your games that you play in not very well, there isn't too much wrong with you.

"If you've got the assembled parts, I'm glad Isak hasn't hit the ground running as I'd like to see him struggle a bit - meanspirited but not withstanding it. I look at it and think to myself, 'what is there to worry about?' They are top. There will be little to worry about."

Carragher's remarks about Liverpool have sparked debate after he floated axing Florian Wirtz to bring back some steadiness to the team. The 47-year-old also pointed to Liverpool's lack of command in matches, which has exposed them at the back.

"I'm not watching a top team," he told CBS Sports. "Liverpool are not playing football, they are playing basketball.

"And I told Slot this on the first game of the season against Bournemouth. They obviously have a fantastic manager. Liverpool last season were a top team, but also a workman-like team, which they've sprinkled a bit of stardust on in terms of the transfers they have brought in.

"And they haven't gained anything going forward, but they've lost a lot defensively. I think for the manager now, he know needs to really earn his money. He did last season, by winning the Premier League, but there are few problems he has got to fix.

"It will be really interesting how he does about it, because he spent a lot of money on certain players. Right now, the balance of the team is not right, and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz, who is just not at the races at all.

"He's a young boy, coming to a new league, and has plenty of time to go. But right now, he needs to come out of the team, Liverpool go back to what they were last season, and try to build some confidence and some stability.

"Right now it looks like a mess..."

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