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?
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?