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.
