Jamie Carragher cannot get his head around Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool tactic

Jamie Carragher remains baffled by Liverpool's insistence on playing their high defensive line.

The Reds back four, marshalled by Virgil van Dijk, were caught out by West Ham on a number of occasions during their 3-2 defeat in the capital.

Pablo Fornals' strike - to make it 2-1 to the hosts - came as the Hammers exploited Liverpool's high line, which is employed to close space for the opposition and catch on-running opponents offside.

It can be a high risk strategy, but Jurgen Klopp has seen his side keep a host of clean sheets during his tenure whilst playing with that defensive system. However, it remains a tactic that, when the opposition gets an attack right, can be exploited and lead to goalscoring opportunities - potentially one-v-one with Reds' 'keeper Alisson.

Carragher, himself a former defender, has questioned what Liverpool gain from continuing to play as they do.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Liverpool win the Premier League? Let us know by clicking here

"That is something Liverpool have done for a while and, me being in that position, I can't quite get my head around it. But then you look at the defensive record and it's fantastic," he told Sky Sports.

"I just think when you're in those positions, I don't know what you gain by holding the high line.

"Yes, Matip has gone towards the ball but van Dijk holds a line. There's only two things that can happen there: either catch them offside or they run through at goal.

"For me, that's not a fair fight in some ways. I'm thinking I'd rather run back. What do we gain out of an offside? Nothing.

"We just get the ball 60 yards from goal or them running through at our goalkeeper.

"Liverpool do it an awful lot and the opposition will run through at the goalkeeper at least once a game."

The Reds suffered their first defeat of the season at the London Stadium as they slipped four points behind leaders Chelsea. It also brought to an end a lengthy unbeaten run that had dated back to April.

Klopp voiced his clear frustrations with several refereeing decisions made by Craig Pawson during the loss after the game

West Ham's opener was given after consultation with VAR after Alisson felt he was impeded whilst an Aaron Creswell challenge also went unpunished.

Vote: Who is the true heir to Messi and Ronaldo?

The Liverpool boss said: "The first goal is a foul on the goalie.

"The arm goes against Alisson's arm so how can he catch the ball when someone pulls his arm away. It makes no sense.

"It's the typical excuse that VAR says it's not clear and obvious but then what do you need?"

He also added: "Cresswell? For me it's a reckless challenge. Even though he touches the ball, you can't go in like that as anything can happen.

"You can say he touched the ball but you have to control your body.