Slot Seeks Answers as Liverpool’s Crisis Deepens After Fourth Straight Defeat

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is under mounting pressure as the Premier League champions face their worst run of form in over a decade, following Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United, the club’s first loss to their rivals at Anfield since 2016.

The defeat marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive loss in all competitions, their longest losing streak since 2014 under Brendan Rodgers, leaving fans and pundits questioning Slot’s tactics and squad balance.

Salah’s Sudden Slump

Mohamed Salah, last season’s Golden Boot winner, has managed only one Premier League goal from open play this campaign. The 33-year-old forward was substituted during Sunday’s loss despite Liverpool chasing an equaliser, raising concerns about his form and fitness.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested Salah should no longer be an automatic starter, saying, “When you reach a certain age and your form dips, you can’t expect to play every game.”

Costly Transfers Yet to Deliver

Slot spent over $450 million in the summer transfer window, breaking club records to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. However, both players are still waiting for their first Premier League goal.

The absence of Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash in July, continues to weigh heavily on the team. New forwards have struggled to fill the void, while left-back Milos Kerkez and right-back Jeremie Frimpong have yet to impress defensively.

Defensive Frailties Exposed

Liverpool’s backline has been a major weakness, conceding two or more goals in eight of their last 12 league matches. Captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté have faced criticism for costly errors, while full-backs Kerkez and Frimpong have failed to replicate the stability once provided by Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The club’s inability to secure Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi before the transfer deadline may yet haunt them, as their title defence continues to crumble. Guehi’s potential move in January could come too late to salvage Liverpool’s season.

With mounting injuries, misfiring signings, and a dip in confidence, Arne Slot faces a defining period that could determine whether Liverpool’s season can still be saved, or spiral further into crisis.