Roy Keane reacts to Ollie Scarles footage in West Ham loss v Liverpool. West Ham suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday.
Graham Potter’s men headed to the Premier League leaders looking for their first win since a 2-0 victory over Leicester on 27 February. But Arne Slot’s side went 1-0 up in the first half when Luis Diaz latched onto Mo Salah’s cross to beat Alphonse Areola from close range.
West Ham equalised, thanks to Andy Robertson’s own goal, but Virgil Van Dijk headed home Alexis Mac Allister’s late corner to ensure that the Reds beat Potter’s side.
Keane slams Scarles over defending against Liverpool
West Ham youngster Ollie Scarles did not do enough to prevent Salah from assisting Diaz’s first-half goal at Anfield, and was dragged off early after huge struggles. Speaking live on Sky Sports Main Event [14:52, 13 April], Roy Keane shared his verdict on the young defender, who may have been trying too hard.
He said: “We know Salah likes to threaten in behind, and he’s giving the young kid [Scarles] a difficult time. You can’t let Salah get back in here.
“The young kid then is desperate to make his mark on the game, but you let Salah in these positions, you know he’s going to punish you. A fantastic ball, beautiful goal from Diaz.
“They’re getting bodies into the box, they’re mixing their game up well, but for the young kid here. You can’t let Salah get goal side of you. He needs a bit of help to be fair.”
Scarles will look to bounce back from Liverpool error. Keane is right to point out that Scarles should not have let the ever-prolific Salah get goal side of him, as his assist was a very predictable outcome while Diaz was bearing down on goal.
Ollie Scarles stats 2024/25 Premier League
Appearances 12
Starts 6
Scarles made his sixth Premier League start against Liverpool
However, the fullback is still just 19 years old, and Sunday’s clash with Liverpool marked just his sixth Premier League start of the season.
The teenager boasts plenty of potential, which was demonstrated when he performed well, playing the full match, as West Ham beat Arsenal 1-0 on 22 February.
However, Scarles is still inexperienced, and it didn’t come as a surprise when Potter opted to hook him from the action in favour of Vladimir Coufal before the hour mark.
Scarles must ensure that his error against Liverpool and Salah is one that he will learn from, and he will be keen to be back at his best when the Hammers face already relegated Southampton on Saturday.
