After the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool slips down to eighth and is eight points off leaders Arsenal. Is there a way back from this crisis?
It is also their fifth defeat in six games.
Despite Virgil Van Dijk being harshly disallowed an opening goal by VAR on Sunday, the performance in the game, particularly the second half, was pathetic.
Full credit to City and Guardiola, who absolutely dominated the game, particularly the first half.
Jeremy Doku was running rings around Andy Robertson, who looks far from the player he was two seasons ago.
Embed from Getty ImagesErling Haaland dominated Liverpool’s centre-backs in the air.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was almost like Slot’s Reds were eager for the international break to begin. Sloppy in possession, no spark in the final third.
There was no intensity to their play at all.
You are Liverpool Football Club. As the defending champions, show some intensity and pride in your performances.
This is not the kind of form you need to be in, particularly if you are aiming to defend your title.
Wirtz Not Working?
Embed from Getty ImagesSigning Wirtz for £100 million was an interesting move in the summer, but now it seems to have backfired.
However, Germany Head Coach Julian Nagelsmann believes that the team is not capitalising on the chances he creates.
“Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates,” “They somehow don’t like to shoot the ball in.”
Nagalsmann: Sky Sports
Meanwhile, Sky Sports Pundit and Commentator Gary Neville described Wirtz’s performance on Sunday as ‘a problem’.
“Wirtz looked like a little boy. His performance was a real worry,”
Wirtz: Sky Sports
What’s even more alarming, is the fact that the German Winger, who was brought in to boost Liverpools attack, has now gone 11 Premier League games without a goal or assist.
Perhaps he just needs a break to think about his game and how he can adjust to the league’s demands.
Can he make up for it after the international break?.
In last season’s Bundesliga, Wirtz bagged a total of 10 goals and 13 assists for Bayer Leverkusen, in 31 games.
But this season, perhaps the more physical nature of the Premier League has gotten the better of him, and so he may need more time to adapt.
However, he still looks a quality player, so he could possibly click into gear after the international break.
Should Liverpool Have Paid Higher Than £35m For Guehi?
Embed from Getty ImagesThe other issue for Liverpool is the Centre-Back options.
Embed from Getty ImagesofIbrahima Konate had formed a formidable partnership with Van Dijk in the Title-winning season of 2024-25. However, it seems that the pair of them is below par this season.
The issue for Slot is that, apart from maybe Joe Gomez, there isn’t really a top-quality centre-back who can replace either of them.
It seems as if the decision not to pay Crystal Palace £35 million for Marc Guehi has backfired drastically.
When you are the reigning Premier League Champions, you need to keep finding ways to improve the quality of your squad, which means having quality backup players for all positions.
Not only does it help with injuries, but it keeps your first XI on the alert that if they underperform, there is a player who is well-equipped to take their place.
Post the international break, Nottingham Forest, PSV Eindhoven, West Ham, Sunderland, and Leeds United have their next five games.
If they are to stand any chance of lifting silverware, let alone defending their League title, they must come out of those games with nothing less than three points.
Can Slot and Liverpool get themselves out of this crisis?
To find out, tune into World In Sport.