Liverpool’s title defence is unraveling as manager Arne Slot searches for solutions following a fourth consecutive defeat, marking the club’s worst run in more than ten years.
The Premier League champions fell 2-1 to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday—the first home loss to their arch-rivals since January 2016.
Despite starting the season with seven straight wins, aided by a series of late goals, Liverpool’s performances have since declined sharply. The Reds have now lost four matches in all competitions for the first time since November 2014, during Brendan Rodgers’ tenure.
One major concern for Slot is the form of Mohamed Salah, who has struggled to replicate his usual brilliance. The “Egyptian King,” once the focal point of Liverpool’s attack, has only one open-play goal this season—scored on the opening weekend. His recent misses against United and substitution while Liverpool were chasing an equaliser have raised further doubts.
At 33, Salah’s decline is becoming a talking point. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher remarked on Sky Sports that Salah “shouldn’t be starting every game right now,” suggesting age and poor form are catching up with him.
Liverpool’s summer spending spree—exceeding $450 million—has also failed to yield returns. Big-money signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have yet to score in the Premier League, while Hugo Ekitike, another new arrival, has struggled for consistency.
The tragic death of Diogo Jota in a July car crash has left an emotional and tactical void in the team, compounding Liverpool’s attacking struggles.
Defensively, the problems are just as glaring. Full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have not lived up to expectations, while centre-back Ibrahima Konate has faced criticism for repeated lapses. Even captain Virgil van Dijk looked shaky during United’s opening goal.
Liverpool’s failure to secure Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on deadline day now looks costly. The team has conceded 11 goals in eight league games, compared to just three by league leaders Arsenal.
Though Guehi may still join in January, his arrival might come too late to salvage Liverpool’s faltering campaign.
What You Should Know
Liverpool’s current slump is their worst since 2014, raising serious questions about manager Arne Slot’s tactics, player form, and recruitment strategy.
The decline of key players like Mohamed Salah, coupled with defensive instability and underperforming signings, has left fans fearing that the champions’ title defence is already slipping away.
