Liverpool handed 'spineless' verdict after damning James Milner point made

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Liverpool faced stinging criticism from all angles after losing 2-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion in the latest disappointing Premier League result for Arne Slot's team

(Image: AP)

Liverpool was deemed to be a team without a spine by former England goalkeeper Rob Green after their 2-1 defeat to Brighton.

The reigning Premier League champions fell to their 10th league defeat on Saturday afternoon at the American Express Stadium. It was another dismal performance for Arne Slot's side who once again stumbled in their chase for Champions League qualification.

While it's no wins in three for the Reds in the top-flight, it's the insipid showing and lack of fight that has angered supporters and led to squad-wide criticism, part of which came from Green after full-time.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live at the Amex, the ex-Chelsea and West Ham stopper said: "There has been nothing in terms of a response from Liverpool in finding their backbone, finding their spine.

"We talked about this Brighton side with James Milner and Danny Welbeck in the middle of the team. It’s a backwards step this. The spine of the team is just not there, they’re just looking around thinking what’s going on."

While some expected the Reds to push on in the league following an excellent showing against Galatasaray mid-week, the steep drop-off on Saturday is a pattern that has replicated itself several times this season, according to Steven Gerrard.

James Milner was impressive against Liverpool on Saturday(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The former Liverpool captain said on TNT Sports after the 2-1 defeat: "We’ve seen it quite a few times this season where they put in a lot of effort, perform well on the Champions League stage, all the emotion and energy you need to put into those games to get a result; it’s having a big impact on them on the weekend.

"They haven’t got the options on the bench or the squad to really make the changes to bring that energy and the quality into the team to the same level they did in midweek. They had to play a lot of the same players today.

"There were a few changes that were forced on the manager rather than he wanted to make and it backfired today." With the two-week international break now looming, Gerrard admitted the fortnight will hurt the Liverpool players a tad more due to the loss.

Steven Gerrard said Liverpool are lacking squad depth

"We have all been there where you have a bad defeat or are in bad form going into an international break. It just stings a bit longer," said the ex-England skipper. The hurt and the frustration, you carry that for longer. You need to take the criticism on the chin.

"They were excellent in midweek. They got the praise and the pat on the back, but today they didn’t do enough to win this game."