Liverpool’s defensive frailties exposed again as Monaco complete comeback at Anfield

Liverpool’s preparations for the new season suffered another setback as Monaco recovered from two goals down to win 3-2 at Anfield, repeating the damaging pattern of their recent defeat by Leeds United.

The result will increase the pressure on new manager Iraola, whose early rebuild has already been complicated by the departure of Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah. Liverpool had appeared to be in complete control after establishing a commanding lead, but another collapse at the back allowed the French side to turn the game around.

Liverpool started with authority and took the lead after 15 minutes. Isak finished a well-constructed team move with a powerful low shot across goal, giving the home side the reward for their dominant opening.

The advantage was doubled before the half-hour mark when Wirtz reacted quickest to confusion inside the six-yard box. With Liverpool two goals ahead and creating the impression that victory was within reach, the match appeared to be following a comfortable script for the hosts.

Instead, defensive uncertainty returned in a manner that has become an increasing concern during Liverpool’s recent matches.

One minute before half-time, Monaco reduced the deficit through Golovin, who struck a powerful penalty into the top corner. Alisson read the direction correctly but could not keep out the effort, leaving Liverpool with a 2-1 lead at the interval.

The visitors continued to exploit Liverpool’s defensive problems after the restart and levelled only 10 minutes into the second half. Peric’s initial effort was saved by Mamardashvili, but the rebound fell favourably and he reacted quickly to beat the Brazilian goalkeeper with the equaliser.

Liverpool were unable to halt the flow of goals. Brunner then completed Monaco’s comeback from a corner delivered towards the near post, finding a way through the English defence with worrying ease to put the visitors ahead.

The late turnaround completed another highly disappointing collapse at Anfield. Liverpool had started the game strongly and held a two-goal advantage, yet the defensive errors that allowed Monaco back into the contest ultimately denied Iraola a positive result.

The defeat is another blow to a project that remains in its early stages. Liverpool have undergone major changes during the summer, including the departure of Salah and a change to the coaching staff, leaving Iraola with the task of rebuilding the team while trying to establish greater defensive stability.

Liverpool had won their two previous friendly matches against Sunderland and Wrexham, offering some encouragement during the opening phase of pre-season. However, the loss to Monaco followed the same troubling pattern as the recent defeat by Leeds United: Liverpool took control, built a clear lead and then allowed the opposition to recover.

For Iraola, the immediate challenge is to address those repeated defensive lapses before the new campaign begins. The Monaco defeat suggests that Liverpool’s encouraging attacking moments are still being undermined by a vulnerability that has appeared more than once in their preparations.