Jamie Carragher slams Reece James and tears into another Chelsea star ahead of Newcastle clash

Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with the Reds' second goal of the game coming in controversial fashion as Curtis Jones scored in front of the Kop

Jamie Carragher has pinpointed the defensive errors from two Chelsea players that led to Liverpool scoring their second goal at Anfield just moments following Nicolas Jackson's leveller for the Blues. The encounter resumed its intensity right after halftime, as Jackson coolly notched an equaliser for Chelsea—a goal that was initially chalked off for offside but subsequently awarded after a VAR check.

However, the Blues' joy was short-lived as Curtis Jones put Liverpool back in front, continuing his impactful performance.

Jones had earlier won a penalty after a collision with Rob Sanchez and maintained his influence by connecting with a cross to neatly hit the back of the net in front of the Kop stand. For Enzo Maresca's side, conceding this goal was particularly disappointing.

When Mohamed Salah moved inside past Malo Gusto and whipped in a left-footed cross, it created uncertainty between Sanchez and his defenders. Darwin Nunez, positioned near the post, didn't touch the ball due to being offside, allowing it to travel across to an unmarked Jones.

Taking full advantage, the Liverpool academy product controlled the ball and calmly finished past Sanchez, leaving the Chelsea defence looking exposed and clumsy, reports Football London.

Carragher, reflecting on the goal, said: "It's so poor from Chelsea's point of view," focusing critical attention on Reece James's part in the sequence. "Reece James does really poor. You see him in that position, he ambles away really. I don't think it is [rustiness], he can see him [Jones]. He's ambling across, he's two yards onside, his arms up - it's lazy defending."

James was back on the pitch for the first time since May, following a period of injury and suspension. His inclusion in the starting line-up came as a surprise, given he hadn't even made the bench in any of the season's previous matches.

The 24 year old was substituted early on, with his playing time being carefully managed to avoid overexertion. With Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella out due to a ban, James spent most of the match in a narrow full-back position, covering for Gusto's shift to left-back, and seldom pushed forward.

However, Carragher was unimpressed, criticising both James and goalkeeper Rob Sanchez. "Maybe he's a little bit tired and it is that [for James] but I also think the goalkeeper is so far away. The fact the goalkeeper is trying to make a challenge two yards out. It's a poor touch from Curtis Jones really, he's at full stretch."

"Reece James hasn't done well enough and it's really poor goalkeeping. Chelsea need a goalkeeper if they are going to challenge next season. As soon as Jones makes that poor touch, he's got to be all over that."

Sanchez had already been under scrutiny after a series of misplaced passes in the first half put Chelsea under pressure. He narrowly avoided further criticism when Jones managed to get a shot past him in the box, resulting in a penalty. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling that Sanchez had made sufficient contact with the ball.

Despite this reprieve, it served as a warning that Chelsea failed to take on board. They will now look to return to winning ways when hosting Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.