LIVERPOOL IN CRISIS AS SLOT SEARCHES FOR ANSWERS AFTER FOURTH STRAIGHT DEFEAT

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Agency Report

Liverpool F.C. are facing their worst run of form in more than a decade as pressure mounts on manager Arne Slot following a 2–1 loss to bitter rivals Manchester United F.C. at Anfield on Sunday, their first home defeat to United since January 2016.

The reigning Premier League champions, who started the season with a seven-game winning streak, have now suffered four straight defeats in all competitions for the first time since November 2014, when Brendan Rodgers was in charge.

The poor run has exposed deep cracks across the squad, from a faltering attack to a shaky defence, leaving Slot with serious problems to fix to salvage their campaign.

Star forward Mohamed Salah has endured a worrying dip. The 33-year-old, who won the Premier League Golden Boot last season, has scored just once from open play this term. He missed two key chances against United and was substituted as Liverpool chased an equaliser.

Liverpool’s Swedish striker #09 Alexander Isak shoots but fails to score during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on October 19, 2025. (Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES. AN ADDITIONAL 40 IMAGES MAY BE USED IN EXTRA TIME. NO VIDEO EMULATION. SOCIAL MEDIA IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES. AN ADDITIONAL 40 IMAGES MAY BE USED IN EXTRA TIME. NO USE IN BETTING PUBLICATIONS, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. /

Salah was also dropped for the recent Champions League defeat to Galatasaray S.K., raising further questions about his form. Former club legend Jamie Carragher believes Salah should no longer be an automatic starter.

“I don’t think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he’s in,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “When you get to a certain age, you have to understand that, especially when you’re not playing well.”

Liverpool spent heavily during the summer, splashing over $450 million on new signings. Record arrivals Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are yet to score a Premier League goal, while fellow forward Hugo Ekitike has slipped down the pecking order.

The club’s transfer business was heavily influenced by the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car crash in July, leaving a gaping hole in the attack that has yet to be filled.

Liverpool’s defensive woes are equally alarming. New signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have struggled to replicate the impact of veterans Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The team has conceded two or more goals in eight of their last 12 Premier League games, letting in 11 goals this season compared to just three by league leaders Arsenal F.C..

Centre-back Ibrahima Konaté has been heavily criticised, and even captain Virgil van Dijk was at fault in the build-up to Bryan Mbeumo’s opener on Sunday.

A failed move for Marc Guéhi on deadline day is looking increasingly costly, though Liverpool may revisit the deal in January.

With performances dipping and confidence waning, Slot faces a defining period. Injuries, underperforming stars, and transfer missteps have left Liverpool’s title defence in jeopardy.

A turnaround is possible, but as the losses pile up, so too does the pressure on the new manager to deliver solutions and fast.