‘So Overrated’ – Pundit Tears Into Liverpool Despite 3-2 Win vs Atletico Madrid

Liverpool’s rollercoaster season continued on Wednesday night as they produced another dramatic late show in the Champions League, edging Atletico Madrid 3-2 thanks to a stoppage-time winner from captain Virgil van Dijk. But while the Anfield faithful celebrated yet another European classic, not everyone was convinced by the Reds’ performance.

CBS Sports pundit Ian Paul Joy reignited his war of words with Liverpool, labelling the Premier League champions “so overrated” despite their perfect start to the campaign. His harsh criticism, coming straight after Arne Slot’s men extended their winning streak to five games in all competitions, has sparked anger and debate among fans worldwide.

Liverpool’s victory in Madrid was far from straightforward. After racing into a two-goal lead, Slot’s side once again found themselves pegged back, as Atletico clawed their way level with the help of a controversial opener and a deflected second. For the third time in just five matches, Liverpool surrendered a commanding position – a worrying habit that has begun to raise questions about their defensive solidity.

Still, as Van Dijk’s towering header in the 92nd minute crashed into the back of the net, it became clear that this Liverpool team has rediscovered its knack for dramatic, late-game heroics. Three of their five wins this season have come via goals scored in the 90th minute or beyond. For their supporters, this is proof of an unshakeable winning mentality. For critics like Joy, however, it is evidence of unsustainable fortune.

Speaking on CBS after the match, Joy gave grudging respect to Liverpool’s resilience but wasted little time in attacking their overall performances. “It was a ridiculous game,” he said. “At the end of the day, Liverpool were incredibly lucky. Yes, they have that mentality, that never-say-die spirit – but can they continue doing this? For large parts of the game, they looked so overrated. Defensively poor, offensively not firing. They’re still in third gear.”

The pundit’s comments struck a nerve with fans who have seen this script before. Joy has previously questioned Liverpool’s strength, even claiming after the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace that Van Dijk’s best days were behind him. Watching the Dutch defender silence critics with a match-winning goal and a man-of-the-match display may have only deepened his frustration.

Reds supporters quickly rallied to defend their team. Many argued that luck had little to do with the victory, pointing to officiating errors that went against Liverpool. “Atletico’s first goal should’ve been ruled out for offside, and their second came from a huge deflection,” one fan wrote online. “The fact is, Liverpool deserved that win.” Others accused Joy of ignoring the context: a summer rebuild worth £415 million that saw key players leave and several new signings still bedding in.

“Overrated? We’ve beaten Atletico, Arsenal, and Newcastle while not playing at our best,” another supporter fired back. “That’s the mark of champions. If anything, it shows how strong we’ll be once the squad settles fully.” Some went further, branding Joy “a clown” and “utterly clueless” for dismissing Liverpool’s start to the season.

Yet, not all reactions were hostile. A number of fans acknowledged Joy’s point that Liverpool cannot rely forever on dramatic late winners. “They can only get better,” one noted. “There are five players still waiting to integrate into the squad, and they’re already winning everything. If this is them at 70 per cent, the rest of the league should be worried.”

Arne Slot, for his part, has welcomed the fighting spirit his players are showing but admitted the need for more control. He knows that allowing leads to slip will eventually cost Liverpool if not corrected. Still, with a 100 per cent record to start the season and momentum building, it is hard to argue that Liverpool aren’t once again among Europe’s most feared teams.

Now, attention turns to Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield – a fixture steeped in history and drama, notorious for its red cards and explosive atmosphere. After five nerve-shredding games already, Liverpool fans may need to brace themselves for yet another rollercoaster afternoon. But if Van Dijk and his teammates can deliver once again, the “overrated” tag might begin to sound even more hollow.