Liverpool in Crisis as Arne Slot’s Side Suffers Four Consecutive Premier League Defeats

Liverpool in Crisis as Arne Slot’s Side Suffers Four Consecutive Premier League Defeats

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence is in tatters after a fourth straight league defeat left the reigning champions seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal and languishing in seventh place. Arne Slot’s men were beaten 3-2 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, in a result that has intensified scrutiny on the Dutchman’s tactics and team balance. The loss means Liverpool have now suffered as many league defeats as they did across their entire title-winning campaign. Long-ball vulnerability Slot has publicly admitted that Liverpool struggle against long-ball tactics — an admission Brentford ruthlessly exploited. The hosts launched 64 direct passes, including a 40-yard assist from Mikkel Damsgaard for Kevin Schade’s goal, as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were repeatedly caught out. “Too many duels were lost, too many second balls weren’t won,” Slot later conceded. Fragile defensive structure Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool were known for their relentless pressing. Under Slot, however, the system appears fractured. The midfield trio has struggled to shield the back line, leaving the Reds vulnerable to fast breaks — they currently have the Premier League’s fourth-highest expected goals (xG) conceded from counter-attacks. Brentford registered 17 shots and created seven big chances, the most Liverpool have faced this season. Lack of physicality Injury to Ryan Gravenberch has exposed Liverpool’s physical shortcomings. Slot’s midfield, built around technicians like Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones, often loses aerial duels and second balls. Dominik Szoboszlai, who won 11 duels against Brentford, has been forced to carry an unsustainable workload. Integration issues Liverpool’s summer overhaul — including high-profile attacking signings — has yet to gel. The departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, combined with the emotional toll of Diogo Jota’s passing, have left the team unbalanced. Defensive depth remains thin, and key signings like Wirtz have struggled to adapt to Slot’s system. Slow starts, poor finishes Liverpool have conceded first in six consecutive matches, shipping at least two goals in each of their last four league games. Their defensive frailty has turned every match into a recovery mission, and they now share an identical points tally to newly promoted Sunderland since last season’s title triumph — despite playing four games more. Title defence in jeopardy Opta’s projections now place Liverpool third by season’s end, with Arsenal predicted to lift the title. Yet, given their current form, even that outcome seems optimistic. Only Nottingham Forest and West Ham have conceded more goals from set-pieces this season. Liverpool’s immediate focus turns to the Carabao Cup, where they face Crystal Palace on Wednesday at Selhurst Park — the same venue where their losing streak began. With Aston Villa awaiting at the weekend, Slot faces a critical week to stop the slide and salvage the Reds’ season.

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Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Admits Reds Have ‘No Answer’ to Long Balls After Brentford Defeat

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has conceded that his side are still struggling to cope with teams deploying long-ball tactics and low defensive blocks, following a 3-2 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The loss marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, leaving them in sixth place and piling further pressure on Slot just months into his first season in charge. Brentford executed their game plan to perfection on Saturday evening, completing 62 long passes — their highest total of the season — as they overpowered the Reds with their direct style of play. Dango Ouattara opened the scoring from a long throw by Michael Kayode, a scenario Liverpool had specifically trained for on Friday. Kevin Schade then doubled Brentford’s lead on the counter-attack before halftime, exposing the Reds’ vulnerabilities in transition once again. “It is definitely that teams have a certain playing style against us; it is a very good strategy to play,” Slot said in his post-match press conference.“We have not found an answer yet. Going 1-0 down after five minutes does not help, and while we can still score goals, we are conceding far too many. That is not just on the defence — it’s about all 11 players.” Liverpool did manage to find the net twice, but defensive lapses continued to undermine their efforts. The defeat means the Reds have now lost as many league games this season as in the entirety of last season. Slot also pointed to the club’s record-breaking £446 million summer spending spree — which brought six new signings to Anfield — as a factor in their inconsistent performances. “It has something to do with when you change a lot in the summer,” he admitted. “I did not expect it to go with four losses in a row.” Despite intensive preparation for Brentford’s long throws and counter-attacks, Slot lamented his team’s inability to execute the basics. “Today, I don’t think we did the basics right,” he said. “Too many duels were lost, too many second balls weren’t won. That was the main thing we have to improve. Every time, a different problem has cost us the game.” With Liverpool looking a shadow of their former selves, Slot now faces the difficult task of restoring confidence and defensive solidity before their next Premier League fixture.

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Osimhen Penalty Sinks Liverpool as Injuries and VAR Controversy Compound Champions League Defeat

Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty was enough to condemn Liverpool to a second consecutive Champions League defeat, as Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory in Istanbul on a frustrating night for Arne Slot’s side. The loss marks back-to-back defeats for Liverpool for the second time under the Dutch manager and came with added concerns after injuries to goalkeeper Alisson Becker and striker Hugo Ekitike. The game also included a controversial VAR decision that denied Liverpool a potential late penalty. Slot surprised many with his team selection, leaving Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak on the bench, and opting to start Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing. Despite that, Liverpool’s defensive issues resurfaced early, with Dominik Szoboszlai struggling at right-back. Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz, who consistently troubled Liverpool’s right side, forced a good early save from Alisson before Liverpool wasted a golden opportunity at the other end. Ekitike failed to finish when played through on goal, slipping as he tried to round goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. Cody Gakpo’s follow-up was cleared off the line by Ismail Jakobs. Just seconds later, Liverpool were punished. Yilmaz again beat Szoboszlai and was caught in the face by the defender’s arm inside the box. Referee Clément Turpin pointed to the spot, and Victor Osimhen calmly converted the penalty down the middle. Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, but clear chances were limited. Salah and Isak were introduced in the second half, but their impact was minimal. The team’s frustration peaked late on when VAR declined to award a penalty for a possible handball, leaving the visitors with nothing to show for their efforts. The night ended on a sour note with both Alisson and Ekitike leaving the pitch injured, adding to Liverpool’s growing concerns ahead of a busy schedule. Despite creating more chances and leading the expected goals tally, Liverpool came away empty-handed once again. Slot now faces pressure to steady the ship as his side struggles for form both domestically and in Europe.

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Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Gravenberch Shines as Arne Slot’s Side Maintain Perfect Start

By Kamal Yalwa: Saturday, September 20, 2025 Liverpool continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton in a fiercely contested Merseyside derby at Anfield. The result extends David Moyes’ winless record at Anfield to 21 Premier League games across four different clubs, as Liverpool made a fast start and held firm under late pressure. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring in the 10th minute, latching onto a precise delivery from Mohamed Salah to give the hosts an early lead — their fastest home goal in over two years. Gravenberch, who returned to the midfield trio alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, was instrumental throughout. Shortly before halftime, he turned provider with a clever through ball to Hugo Ekitike, who calmly slotted home his fourth goal for Liverpool since joining in the summer. The 2-0 cushion gave Arne Slot’s side firm control going into the break. Alexander Isak made his Premier League debut for Liverpool, coming on for the final 20 minutes, but his presence wasn’t crucial as the hosts had already done the damage. Everton responded in the second half with renewed intent. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back with a powerful volley following an incisive run and cross from Jack Grealish, who was arguably Everton’s standout performer. The visitors pushed for an equaliser, creating a tense finish, but lacked the composure and final product to break through Liverpool’s defence again. Liverpool have now won five straight Premier League matches for the first time under new manager Arne Slot and sit six points clear at the top of the table. Their lead could be reduced depending on the outcome of Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Manchester City, live on Sky Sports. The result strengthens Liverpool’s title credentials and deepens Everton’s early-season struggles, leaving Moyes and his side still searching for their first win at Anfield in the Premier League era.

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Liverpool: Arne Slot on Virgil van Dijk agreeing a new contract

Liverpool: Arne Slot Thumbs Up Van Dijk On New Contract

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Virgil van Dijk’s decision to extend his contract with the club, highlighting it as a testament to Liverpool’s ambition and a significant boost as the team nears the Premier League title.​ Van Dijk, who has been a central figure in Liverpool’s defense since his arrival in 2018, recently signed a two-year contract extension, committing to the club until 2027. This move ends speculation about his future and ensures that the Dutch captain remains a cornerstone of Slot’s squad.​talkSPORT Slot expressed his satisfaction with the extension, stating that securing Van Dijk’s services reflects the club’s determination to maintain a high level of performance and competitiveness. He emphasized that retaining key players like Van Dijk is crucial for the team’s continued success.​ The contract renewal comes at a pivotal time, with Liverpool leading the Premier League by 13 points and on the cusp of securing their second title since Van Dijk’s arrival. Slot believes that Van Dijk’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as the team navigates the final stages of the season.​ In addition to Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah has also extended his contract with Liverpool, further solidifying the team’s core. These renewals signal the club’s commitment to building a squad capable of sustained success under Slot’s guidance.

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