Mohamed Salah’s dejected walk off the pitch told the story of Liverpool current Struggles crisis. As they chased an equaliser against Manchester United, their talisman looked powerless.
Jeremie Frimpong replaced Salah moments after Harry Maguire’s 84th-minute header sealed United’s first Anfield win in over ten years. The defeat marked Liverpool fourth loss in a row their worst run since 2014 under Brendan Rodgers.
Manager Arne Slot admitted his concern. “If you lose four times in a row, you need to worry,” he said. “We must improve to start winning again.”
A fifth straight defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League would mark their longest losing streak since 1953.
Salah’s Dip Reflects Liverpool Blunt Attack
The Anfield crowd grew restless as Liverpool struggles attacks broke down. Their passing was slow, and they struggled to unlock United’s defence.
Cody Gakpo struck the post three times before finally scoring. Yet Salah, usually decisive, missed a clear chance. He hasn’t scored a non-penalty goal in seven games, showing a loss of sharpness and belief.
Slot benched Salah against Galatasaray and substituted him again here. For a player once trusted to save matches, it marked a clear decline.
Heavy Spending, Little Impact
Liverpool title-winning form from last season has vanished. The slide began with a Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace and continues despite heavy investment almost £450 million in new players.
Record signings Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Alexander Isak (£125m) have yet to justify their price tags. Isak offered little threat, while Wirtz again started on the bench.
Former defender Stephen Warnock believes Slot must rethink his tactics. “Szoboszlai looks better at right-back, even if he dislikes it,” he said. “Frimpong and Ekitike had more impact off the bench than Salah and Isak.”
Defence in Disarray, Leadership Needed
Liverpool defence, once solid, now looks uncertain. Milos Kerkez had another poor outing and almost scored an own goal.
Confusion also surrounded referee Michael Oliver’s choice not to stop play when Alexis Mac Allister suffered a head injury. That hesitation allowed Bryan Mbeumo to score as Virgil van Dijk reacted too slowly.
Liverpool have already conceded five goals from set pieces in eight games, compared to none at this stage last season. They look vulnerable to fast counter-attacks and long passes.
The Reds now sit fourth in the table, four points behind leaders Arsenal. Captain Van Dijk urged unity. “We must stay humble and keep working,” he said. “When things get tough, we need to stick together.”
Liverpool have the talent to recover, but Slot must quickly restore discipline and confidence or the slide could continue.
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