Liverpool legend John Barnes has rejected criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold as their form slump continues.

The Reds' poor start to the season continued on Sunday when they were beaten 3-2 by Arsenal . Despite goals from Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino, an early Gabriel Martinelli strike and a Bukayo Saka brace handed the Reds a defeat in the capital.

“Liverpool and their defenders have played in a particular way the last four years with Mane, Firmino and Salah," Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

“The three midfield players are three hard working individual players. Now with Thiago and Harvey Elliot and people like that, the midfield isn't as defensively strong which means that they can't defend the back four and Trent as much as they used to.

“Trent is still coming forward, he's never been in a team for his defensive qualities but it's more to do with the fact that I don't believe the midfield is strong enough to protect the back four. Which is why teams are now getting to Liverpool.

“It's not Trent's problem because it was the way that he formulated a strategy to play with Trent as an attack in midfield but expect others to defend.

“It's not that the team and Trent has changed, they're just going through a few teething problems. I don't see Trent as an issue in that team, he'll sort it out."