Are Liverpool and Arne Slot in crisis after four Premier League defeats on the spin - and what has caused such a decline?

Liverpool are spiralling out of control. What was initially a blip has morphed into a full-blown crisis. Arne Slot's side have now lost as many Premier League games this season as they did in the entirety of their title-winning campaign - four. The question on everyone's lips is: what has caused such a dramatic drop-off?

It seems that Slot's Liverpool are struggling to cope with long-ball tactics. In Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Brentford, Keith Andrews employed a high-intensity pressing game that left the Reds reeling. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate spent more time running towards their own goal than doing anything else, as 64 direct passes from Brentford peppered their visitors.

Slot has admitted that Liverpool cannot cope with long-ball strategies, but his team's inability to deal with this type of play is a major concern. It's not just the physicality of the game that's causing problems - it's also the mental approach. The Reds are looking vulnerable and exposed, particularly in midfield where there's a lack of coherence and balance.

Without injured Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool look lightweight, and the midfield trio of Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz are struggling to contain opposition attacks. Slot packed the midfield with technicians hoping to dominate possession, but failed to account for occasions where they lost the ball out of shape.

The squad is also unbalanced, with barely any defensive cover if Van Dijk or Konate need replacing, and the full-back department is insufficiently stocked too. Alexander Isak and Wirtz appear lost, and Slot's admission that he hasn't found a solution to this problem yet raises serious questions about his leadership.

Games have quickly become a rescue mission for Liverpool, with their biggest names underperforming. The Reds have conceded first in their last six matches in all competitions, and the timing of those goals has not helped either, each arriving no later than the 16th minute.

If anything, third place looks generous given no top-flight side is on a longer losing run. Slot needs solutions - or this painful transition period is set to last long into winter. Before attempting to avoid losing five consecutive league matches for the first time since 1953 on Saturday against Aston Villa, the Reds host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup live on Sky Sports.

Liverpool's next five fixtures are as follows: October 29: Crystal Palace (H), Carabao Cup - kick-off 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports; November 1: Aston Villa (H), Premier League - kick-off 8pm; November 4: Real Madrid (H), Champions League - kick-off 8pm; November 9: Man City (A), Premier League - kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports; November 22: Nottingham Forest (H), Premier League, kick-off 3pm.

At the current rate of travel, Opta predicts Liverpool will finish third with Arsenal crowned champions. It's hard to argue against that outcome on recent evidence. The question is: can Slot and his team right the ship before it's too late?

Ugh, this is getting bad . I mean, come on Liverpool! You guys were supposed to be the team everyone looked up to, but now you're struggling against teams like Brentford? It's not just the players, it's the whole system... or lack thereof. Slot needs to get his house in order ASAP. They can't keep relying on their big names to bail them out every time they lose. And let's be real, if they can't even deal with long-ball tactics, that's a major problem.

And don't even get me started on the squad imbalance... it's like they're just throwing players at the problem without solving the root issue. I mean, what's going on with Gravenberch? They need him back ASAP. And those midfielders? Yeah, they're not doing their jobs. It's like Slot is just making things up as he goes along and that's not good enough.

I'm telling you, if they don't turn it around soon, third place might be the best they can do this season...

omg u guyz lfc r going down a dark path slot needs 2 rethink his tactic & get some decent defensive cover ASAP they cant afford 2 be caught out by just anyone with a long ball attack its like they dont even have a plan b its a joke that van dijk & konate are spending more time defending than attacking lol what happened 2 the team thats supposed 2 be champions? ryan gravenberch might b injured but at least he knows how 2 play 4 his squad is so unbalanced slot needs 2 sort it out or its gonna b a looong winter 4 lfc

i think slot's problem isn't just the tactics, its more about the mental attitude of the squad... like they're not even trying when things aren't going well... newsflash: a 3-2 loss to brentford isnt the end of the world lol. we need to see some resilience & fight from these players before we start calling for slot's head

Ugh, this Liverpool team is like a trainwreck that you can't look away from . I mean, they're still one of the best teams in the world, but it's getting to the point where you wonder if Arne Slot's trying to sabotage them at this point . I feel bad for the players, though - they're not used to playing like that, and it's taking a toll on their confidence.

And don't even get me started on the squad balance issues . They need some real defensive solidity in the back, but instead, it feels like they're winging it out there. I'm surprised they haven't lost more games yet, to be honest.

I'm loving the drama of this season so far - the 3-2 loss to Brentford was insane ! And yeah, their inability to deal with long-ball tactics is a major concern. Slot's gotta figure it out ASAP, or it's gonna be a looong winter .

It's funny you mention third place looking generous... I think they're gonna struggle to avoid relegation next season if this form keeps up . But hey, there's still hope - they can turn it around before the end of the year. Fingers crossed!

I just got back from the most amazing road trip to the mountains last weekend , and I'm still thinking about the stunning views we saw along the way. You know what's funny? We had our car GPS take us on this crazy detour through a tiny village that seemed like it belonged in a movie . Anyway, back to Liverpool... yeah, they do seem to be struggling with those long-ball tactics . I mean, who wouldn't get frustrated when their team's playing style is being dictated by someone else's strategy? And don't even get me started on the squad imbalance – it's like they're missing a crucial piece of the puzzle . Ugh, I just hope Arne Slot can turn things around before it's too late... or else we might see Liverpool having a season to forget

I mean come on, Liverpool's season has gone from "what's going on?" to "what's wrong with you guys?" They're like the kids who can't even play tag without tripping over their own feet. All these long-ball tactics and they're getting gassed . Arne Slot needs to find a new strategy, or at least a new midfield trio that doesn't look like it's about to collapse under its own weight . And don't even get me started on Van Dijk and Konate - I mean, they're like the dynamic duo of defense... said no one ever . Seriously though, can this team turn it around before it's too late? The world is watching (and laughing)

oh man i feel like i've seen this movie before... slot's lfc are in shambles and its not just the long-ball tactics thats causing problems, its their overall game plan & squad depth. they need to sort out their midfield issues ASAP, or else they'll be stuck in 3rd place all season

I'm low-key freaking out over this Liverpool situation ! They were supposed to be the kings of the Premier League, but now they're just trying to survive . Long-ball tactics are literally killing them, and their midfield is looking super thin . What's Slot gonna do about it? Those four losses in the Premier League season already? Unacceptable! They need a major overhaul, like ASAP . And with these fixtures coming up, they're basically just limping to the finish line . Can't help but wonder if third place is actually gonna be their reality this year...

They need to make some serious signings and changes in the squad ASAP...

I'm getting a bad vibe from this Liverpool season . Arne Slot's team has been completely exposed by long-ball tactics, and it's like they're running around in circles trying to catch up. I mean, what's going on with their midfield? They look so lightweight without Ryan Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones isn't cutting it. And don't even get me started on Dominik Szoboszlai - he looks lost out there .

And have you seen their defense lately? It's like they're playing 5v4 most of the time . Van Dijk and Konate can't even make a simple tackle without getting caught out, and Alexander Isak is having an absolute meltdown. I think Slot needs to shake things up big time - this is not working .

Can they turn it around before it's too late? I hope so, but if they don't, third place might be their fate . And that would be a disaster for the Reds...

I gotta say, I'm really worried about Liverpool right now . They're just not looking solid at all on the pitch. Arne Slot's strategy of trying to cope with long-ball tactics is sound, but it's clear they need a more balanced approach. Those midfielders just aren't doing their jobs, and Van Dijk and Konate are getting exposed all too often .

It's not just about the players, though - Slot needs to work on his team's mental approach too. They're looking really vulnerable, especially in midfield. And let's be real, they need some reinforcements ASAP . I mean, five consecutive league matches without a win? That's just crazy talk .

I'm not gonna sugarcoat it - Liverpool are in trouble. But hey, that Crystal Palace match might be the wake-up call they need . Can Slot and co right the ship before it's too late? Only time will tell, but for now, I'm just hoping they can turn their season around

OMG, this Liverpool team is like, totally lost ! I mean, I know Arne Slot is trying new things, but this long-ball tactics just isn't working out for them . They need to figure out a way to deal with teams that are pressuring them hard and not getting all stuck in their own half like they did against Brentford .

And it's not just the physicality of the game, it's also the mental approach. They look so exposed and vulnerable, especially in midfield . And Ryan Gravenberch's absence is really feeling that gap ️. I mean, what were they thinking with that midfield trio of Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz? It just doesn't add up .

I'm not sure if Liverpool can turn it around now, to be honest. They need some solid wins and a few more players who know what they're doing on the pitch . And if that's not happening, then third place is looking like a safe bet . Can you imagine?

I was at this really cool vintage shop over the weekend and I found these insane old cameras . Like, they were from the 80s or something! And I started thinking, what if Liverpool just went back to their old style of play? You know, more like the Anfield team from the 70s? They had this amazing balance and cohesion that would be so underrated right now .

And can we talk about how awesome the Crystal Palace game is gonna be on Sky Sports? I'm getting a popcorn craving just thinking about it .

lolol theyre really struggling now what happened to the lfc machine?? its like arne slot is just throwing stuff at the wall hoping somethin sticks and yeah that brentford game was a disaster their midfield is non existent without gravenberch and its like slot forgot how to defend with vvd and konate getting roasted

I'm getting super worried about Liverpool's season . They're literally losing more games than they won in their title-winning campaign last year, which is insane! It's not just the players' individual performances that are the issue, but the team's overall structure and strategy too.

Slot needs to take a hard look at his tactics and make some changes ASAP . They can't keep relying on those long-ball strategies, it's just not working out for them. And yeah, I know they've got some big names like Van Dijk and Konate, but if the midfield is all over the shop, it doesn't matter how talented those defenders are .

It's also super concerning that their biggest stars are underperforming right now . If Liverpool can't even get their own players to step up, it's going to be a long winter for them. And with all these big games coming up, I'm not sure they've got the depth to compete against top teams like Man City and Real Madrid .

I think we might actually see Arsenal come in and take the title this year . Liverpool need to sort themselves out pronto or it's going to be a really hard season for them ️.

Ugh I'm getting so fed up with how this season is going for Liverpool... I mean, four losses in the Premier League already? It's crazy! They're basically just relying on their big-name players to bail them out, but even that's not working. And it's not just about individual players, it's like they don't have a solid team shape or strategy anymore. Long-ball tactics are exposing all these weaknesses, especially in midfield where they're just getting torn apart.

I'm really worried about what the rest of the season holds for them... 3rd place seems way too generous if you ask me and that Opta prediction has got to be wrong. They need a major overhaul ASAP, not just a tweak here and there. Slot's leadership is being called into question and honestly, I don't blame the fans for losing patience

Liverpool are just going through a super tough phase rn Their whole strategy is being tested and they're coming up short Arne Slot needs to make some changes ASAP, like, seriously He can't keep relying on those midfielders to do all the work. They need some real leaders in there to help out. And what's with the squad lacking defensive cover? It's like they're just throwing bodies at the problem instead of finding solutions Games are turning into rescue missions and it's not looking pretty ️ The question is, can they turn it around before it's too late? They need to find a way to deal with long-ball tactics and get their midfield sorted ASAP

Ugh this is getting crazy Arne Slot's Liverpool are literally falling apart at the seams! Like, what was going on with them last season? They were on fire now they're just a shadow of their former selves. It's like they're playing a different sport altogether . The lack of midfield coherence is killing me and don't even get me started on the defense... they're as shaky as a newborn giraffe . Slot needs to step up his game pronto or he's gonna be out of there in no time

I'm telling you, this Liverpool crisis is getting out of hand . Arne Slot needs to step up their game ASAP or they'll be relegated in no time . Their tactics are all over the place and their midfield is a mess - it's like they're trying to get beat by everyone! And what's with this long-ball strategy? It's like Keith Andrews has been hired to just kick the ball down the pitch ️. They need to sort out their defense and get some new blood in the squad, pronto!