Arsenal legend Ian Wright says Liverpool’s inability to press the ball from the front is causing serious problems for them defensively.

The Reds conceded three against Brighton on Saturday and it could arguably have been more. Wright feels that Jurgen Klopp‘s side are simply a spent force after chasing down rivals Manchester City, year in, year out:

“We’re talking about a Liverpool side that was unbelievable in terms of the pressing up front and the midfield backing up, then they’re winning the ball high. When we look at how far they are off people, you feel like they’re not getting close enough. I feel like it’s very tough for them.”

“Those seasons chasing City down, I think that has taken its toll. Especially still trying to play the high line when you ain’t getting midfielders close enough to other midfielders to stop them from playing that ball over the top or playing that ball through the lines. It just seems like it’s very easy to get through at the minute.”

It’s hard to dispute anything that Wright says here. The back four is simply being exposed by the lack of intensity in the press from the midfield and forward players.

From the looks of things, it’s not an issue that will be fixed anytime soon. Klopp simply doesn’t have the personnel to play the way he wants to play and, by maintaining a high defensive line, goals will be conceded on a regular basis. It could be a very long five months with a top-four spot looking like a distant prospect at the moment.