Liverpool’s Title Defense Unravels as Weaknesses Exposed
Liverpool’s Premier League title defense is facing a significant challenge following four consecutive defeats. The team, managed by Arne Slot, has dropped to seventh place and trails leaders Arsenal by seven points. What initially appeared to be a temporary setback has evolved into a concerning trend, prompting Slot to acknowledge the team’s vulnerabilities, particularly in defending against long balls and set-piece situations.
In a candid assessment, Slot noted the alarming statistics surrounding Liverpool’s defensive performance. “I’ve looked at how many long balls we already had to defend – 178 in seven games and then [Manchester] United came and we had to defend 59,” he stated. The team has faced a league-high 571 long balls this season, nearly 100 more than their nearest rival, Arsenal. This has led to rivals exploiting this weakness with increasing frequency, undermining Liverpool’s once-stalwart reputation for pressing and control.
Rivals Exploit Defensive Frailties
The recent match against Brentford exemplified this trend, as they scored two goals from long deliveries, securing a 3-2 victory. Liverpool’s defenders, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, struggled to cope with the aerial threat, illustrating the growing concern among fans regarding the team’s defensive capabilities. Slot admitted that Liverpool “haven’t found that answer yet,” which raises questions about the team’s future performance.
Once known for their aggressive high press, Liverpool now appears more passive, particularly in midfield. The absence of Ryan Gravenberch has left the squad lacking physicality, making it challenging to regain control during matches. Although Dominik Szoboszlai plays a significant role in contributing to the team’s creativity, he cannot single-handedly cover the entire pitch, leading to increased pressure on the defense.
Set-Piece Struggles and Early Goals Conceded
Liverpool’s struggles extend beyond just long balls. The team has conceded seven goals from set pieces this season, placing them among the worst in the league, alongside Nottingham Forest and West Ham. These defensive lapses have coincided with a trend of conceding first in six consecutive matches, often within the opening 15 minutes. For a club that once prided itself on quick starts, this represents a troubling decline in performance.
As Liverpool prepares for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, Slot is acutely aware that the margin for error is diminishing. He has promised improvements, yet if the team continues to treat long balls as unmanageable threats, their title defense may already be jeopardized. The urgency for Liverpool to address these weaknesses has never been greater as they strive to regain their competitive edge.
In the wake of these developments, questions about leadership and strategy have surfaced, with former players calling for a reassessment of the team’s approach. The prospect of Liverpool continuing to falter raises significant concerns not just for their current season but also for the long-term aspirations of a club with a storied history.
