Liverpool fans hit out at Reds defender after he 'gave up' in Man City defeat

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Liverpool lost 4-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and one of the Reds' defenders came in for criticism for his role in City's fourth goal

Arne Slot watches on at the Etihad Stadium(Image: 2026 James Gill - Danehouse)

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez came in for criticism for his role in Manchester City's fourth goal against Liverpool.

City scored all four of its goals in a brief period either side of half-time, with Erling Haaland grabbing three of them.

Haaland's hat-trick goal came as he turned the ball in off the crossbar from a Nico O'Reilly cutback, after O'Reilly had run in behind Reds defender Gomez.

After losing O'Reilly, Gomez didn't appear to make much of an effort to try and get back to challenge the City youngster, leading to criticism from some Liverpool fans online.

One supporter wrote: "Look at Gomez. He gave up instantly. Didn’t even try. A professional footballer ffs." Another said: "I still wonder what these players do in training everyday."

A third added: "Gomez shouldn't be in Liverpool. He should've been sold a long time ago."

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has faced criticism throughout the season as a result of the team's disappointing form.

Saturday's loss to City was Liverpool's 15th of the campaign in all competitions, and next up is a Champions League quarter-final first leg away to defending champion Paris Saint-Germain.

Asked how he will turn the group around in time for the trip to France, as Liverpool aims to keep its only chance of winning some silverware this season alive, Slot said: "Yeah, that’s for silverware. But it’s also very crucial that we qualify for the Champions League of course for next season.

"There are only three or four days to go, so there are a few things you can do and one of the things we need to do if we play against Paris Saint-Germain or against Man City – teams of this level – you need to defend better than we did in the 20 minutes when we conceded the four goals.

Joe Gomez faced criticism from some Liverpool supporters(Image: News Images/NurPhoto)

"I think no-one will probably remember it but [in] the first 35 minutes there was a lot to like from my team. And it would be nice if we then can score a goal once in a while as well from the chances we create.

"And, again, we faced a team that was outperforming their xG by a mile, and that’s what happens constantly.

"And we every time are under that. But if you want to have a chance of beating Paris Saint-Germain, you have to do both parts better.

"If you generate chances, you have to score. And you cannot be so easily beaten with the four goals; three, because the penalty was between the other goals we conceded."