How Liverpool’s Winning Streak Vanished Just Months After Premier League Glory
Defending Premier League champions Liverpool have stumbled dramatically in the current season, losing six of their last seven matches. This poor performance has left them trailing behind midway leaders Arsenal by seven points. Only months have passed since Liverpool secured their 20th English top-flight title under manager Arne Slot, finishing with a ten-point cushion over Arsenal.
Current Struggles of Liverpool
After a promising start, Liverpool is grappling with significant challenges. Their season began with a powerful 4-2 triumph over Bournemouth, but they have since faltered. The Reds currently face a severe decline in form, demonstrating a consistency in loss that echoes their earlier successes.
Reasons for the Decline
- Lack of Clean Sheets: Liverpool hasn’t maintained a clean sheet since a 1-0 victory against Burnley. They have consistently conceded goals early, within the first 20 minutes, in their last seven outings.
- Struggling Key Players: Star players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have not performed up to expectations. Salah, last season’s leading goal-scorer, has only netted three goals this season, while van Dijk has faced criticism for defensive lapses.
- Underwhelming Transfers: New signings, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, have not made the expected impact. Isak was brought in for £125 million but has struggled to find form, while Wirtz is yet to penetrate opposing defenses effectively.
Defensive Issues
Defensive frailties have been particularly apparent. Recent matches reveal that Liverpool has faced the most long balls in the league, with 571 this season. This weakness has been exploited by opponents, indicating a strategic vulnerability.
Manager Arne Slot acknowledged this challenge, noting the team’s struggles in defending long passes. Ahead of a fixture against Brentford, he reported that Liverpool had to defend 178 long balls in just seven games, emphasizing the need for improvement.
Additionally, the team’s pressing style has shifted. The aggressive tactics that once defined Liverpool under Klopp have diminished, leading to increased defensive responsibilities. This change in approach has not resonated well with fans, as the team battles to reclaim its former glory.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s transitional phase this season has highlighted significant issues that need addressing. As the team searches for solutions, the hope is to turn their fortunes around before the season progresses further. The prospect of returning to winning ways has become increasingly crucial as they aim to preserve their reputation as champions.
