Liverpool’s brief stumble has spiralled into a full-blown crisis as manager Arne Slot desperately searches for solutions following a fourth consecutive defeat — their worst run in over a decade.
Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United marked the first time their fierce rivals have won at Anfield since January 2016. Despite a strong seven-game winning start to the season, fuelled by late goals and narrow escapes, Liverpool’s performances have steadily deteriorated rather than improved.
They have now lost four straight matches across all competitions for the first time since November 2014 under Brendan Rodgers. AFP Sport breaks down the pressing problems Slot must solve to rescue Liverpool’s season.
Salah’s Struggles
Mohamed Salah, once the beating heart of Liverpool’s attack, looks a shadow of his former self. The “Egyptian King,” last season’s Golden Boot winner, has only one Premier League goal from open play this season — scored on opening weekend.
Against United, he squandered two crucial chances. He was benched in the Champions League defeat at Galatasaray and, tellingly, substituted on Sunday while Liverpool were chasing an equaliser.
At 33 and despite signing a new two-year contract in April, questions are growing over whether Salah’s peak has passed. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has suggested Salah should no longer be an automatic starter.
Big Spending, Small Returns
Slot spent over $450 million in the summer, breaking Liverpool’s transfer record twice for playmaker Florian Wirtz and striker Alexander Isak. Yet neither has scored a Premier League goal.
Hugo Ekitike has shown flashes of brilliance, but has slipped behind the out-of-form Isak in selection. The club’s heavy investment in attackers was partly a reaction to the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in July — a loss still deeply felt within the squad.
Defensively, new left-back Milos Kerkez has struggled to adapt, even while being preferred to veteran Andy Robertson. On the right, Jeremie Frimpong has yet to make the position his own.
Defensive Frailties and the Guehi Question
Liverpool’s failure to secure central defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on deadline day could prove costly. Since May, Liverpool have conceded two or more goals in eight of their 12 Premier League matches — more than any other side.
They have shipped 11 goals in their last eight league games, compared to just three conceded by leaders Arsenal.
Kerkez and Frimpong have yet to convincingly replace Robertson and the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold. Centre-back Ibrahima Konaté is under heavy criticism, and even captain Virgil van Dijk faltered in the lead-up to Bryan Mbeumo’s goal on Sunday.
Guehi has reportedly refused a new contract at Palace and could leave in January or at season’s end. But even if he chooses Liverpool, it may come too late to turn their fortunes around.
