Liverpool’s struggles show no signs of improvement. The team has lost four out of their last six matches at Anfield, including a disappointing 4-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions League. As they approach Thanksgiving, Liverpool finds itself not just trailing their rivals, Everton, in the Premier League but also falling down the UCL standings, raising concerns about their future performance.
Despite finishing Round 5 of the Champions League in 12th place, the pressure is mounting on manager Arne Slott. While he had some leniency after leading the team to win the Premier League last season, the clock is ticking, especially with potential candidates like Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino eyeing managerial openings.
Although Liverpool took 27 shots, with nine hitting the target, they seemed out of the match after Ivan Perisic’s early penalty. Once the team fell behind, the season’s difficulties made it appear that repeated failures were imminent. Mohamed Salah is struggling, and the team defense is faltering, reflecting an overall imbalance in attack.
This season, Liverpool has conceded an expected goals (xG) of at least 2.0 three times across all competitions, resulting in losses each time. In contrast, last season, they reached that level of xG only five times in 56 games, with just three losses and two draws. Injuries to key players like Alisson have challenged Slott, but the team that was once a powerhouse now finds itself in a rebuilding phase, having spent heavily on attacking players such as Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak.
These new players have shown glimpses of potential, but Liverpool has yet to sustain that success, and Slott’s second season is fraught with the challenges of stepping in for Jurgen Klopp. The team has not coped well with adversity and has limited time to turn things around this season.
Already 11 points adrift of Arsenal with just 12 games left to play, Liverpool’s dreams of defending their Premier League title are nearly dashed. Although they managed a notable victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League, a consistent winning strategy is essential for future success.
When concerning performances become a recurring theme, alarm bells start to ring. Former Liverpool player and CBS Sports analyst Jamie Carragher expresses worry over the club’s direction.
“In 2018, Klopp helped forge a team identity for Liverpool, but Slott has inherited a different challenge. Key players like Alisson, Van Dijk, and Salah appear to be struggling with form and fitness. While I’ve tried to refrain from criticism, I expect the leaders to rise when times are tough,” Carragher remarked. “Salah spoke about team unity after the match, which offers a glimmer of hope, but Van Dijk seems like a shell of his former self and can only focus on his performance.”
Curtis Jones stressed the need for the team to fight harder to avoid losing ground, but improving overnight is a tall order when performance has declined under Slott. The high-energy style of play associated with Liverpool has slowed to a more subdued approach, making it challenging to respond to the season’s setbacks. If changes aren’t made soon, further upheaval could ensue, as managerial success in the Premier League is often assessed based on recent performance rather than long-term legacy.
Fan Take: Liverpool’s current state is crucial for soccer fans as it illustrates how quickly fortunes can shift in football. A club of their stature faltering raises questions about leadership and unity, impacting rivalries and overall competitiveness in the league.
