Jamie Carragher: 'Liverpool not serious title contenders'

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has claimed that his former side's 1-1 draw against Newcastle United shows exactly why they will not challenge for the Premier League title this season.

The Reds dominated proceedings and had 17 shots in all at St James' Park, only to come away with just a single point as Joselu cancelled out Philippe Coutinho's opener.

Carragher believes that Liverpool's failure to sufficiently strengthen at the back during the summer is to blame for their disappointing run of form, which has seen them win only one of their last seven games in all competitions.

"It sums Liverpool up defensively," he told Sky Sports News. "In total control and they concede yet again. How many times have we got to say it? A lack of concentration has cost Liverpool yet again and whenever they concede chances they are always big chances.

"When you are defending you have to be really aggressive, but when you are on the ball you have to be composed. Liverpool don't switch quick enough between the two. You do think, 'Where would Liverpool be without Philippe Coutinho right now?'

"Do I think Liverpool are a genuine title challenger this season? No. The summer transfer window did not go well for them. They didn't fix the problems they needed to in the summer."

Liverpool, back in action on October 14 with a home match against rivals Manchester United, find themselves seventh in the table after seven rounds of fixtures.