Caoimhin Kelleher (foto: Getty Images)
Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher costs his team a win against Newcastle with a rookie mistake, resulting in a dramatic 3–3 draw.
Liverpool was on the brink of securing a hard-fought victory against Newcastle United, but a critical mistake by backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher turned the match into a frustrating 3–3 draw.
The incident occurred late in the game when a high cross into Liverpool’s penalty area caused confusion. Kelleher, deputizing for the injured Alisson, completely misjudged the flight of the ball. Instead of dealing with the delivery, the 26-year-old Irishman opted to let it drift, assuming it would go out of play. However, Fabian Schär of Newcastle had other ideas. The defender pounced on the ball, capitalizing on Kelleher’s error, and slotted it into the net, snatching a point for the Magpies.
The blunder marred what had been a solid performance from Kelleher, who had stepped in admirably in Alisson’s absence until that moment. Unfortunately, this error highlighted Liverpool’s ongoing concern: their lack of a dependable backup for Alisson.
Kelleher, a Republic of Ireland international, has spent his entire career at Liverpool and is highly regarded for his penalty-saving abilities in cup competitions. However, such moments of inexperience like this one are a reminder of why he remains a backup option at the Premier League giants.