Liverpool’s season has taken a dramatic turn. Last year’s Premier League winners have now suffered six defeats in their last seven games, including a damaging 3–0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The setback — witnessed by chairman Tom Werner — has left Liverpool 12th in the table and raised serious questions about Arne Slot’s decisions after a heavy summer spend of nearly £450m.
The back-to-back three-goal defeats are something Liverpool have not experienced since 1965, when Bill Shankly was still in charge — a worrying comparison for the wrong reasons.
Big money signings struggling to adapt
Liverpool invested heavily in Alexander Isak (£125m) and Florian Wirtz (£116m), but neither has delivered. Isak, who forced through his exit from Newcastle, looked lost and lacking confidence against Forest. He managed only 14 touches before being substituted and offered little threat. His arrival, mixed with injuries and poor form, has created pressure rather than solutions.
Wirtz has shown his technical quality but not yet adapted to the Premier League’s physical demands. He missed the Forest game injured, but even when available his impact has been minimal in front of goal. Liverpool need their marquee signings to contribute quickly if they hope to recover.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike — the club’s top scorer — was again left on the bench. Selecting Isak ahead of him suggests Slot is trying to justify the price tag rather than reward performance. There’s little evidence both can play together effectively, meaning an expensive dilemma is brewing.
Salah’s form and Slot’s difficult decision
Some, including Wayne Rooney, have suggested benching Mohamed Salah to send a message. The Egyptian star has not been as influential defensively during Liverpool’s slump, though he was still their brightest attacker against Forest. Slot has rotated him in Europe already, but removing Liverpool’s biggest goal threat in their current state seems unlikely.
Salah will be unavailable during the Africa Cup of Nations in December — that may be the moment to test life without him. Right now, Slot needs every match-winner he can get.
Returning to a proven structure
Slot’s early success at Liverpool was built on a solid midfield trio — Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai — controlling games. Recent tactical experiments, such as forcing Szoboszlai to play right-back, have disrupted balance and removed one of Liverpool’s most dynamic players from central influence.
Defensive issues have also mounted, with full-back recruits Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez struggling and Ibrahima Konate’s form dipping significantly. Liverpool have already conceded as many set-piece goals as they did throughout last season.
Strengthening defence must be a priority
A missed deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on deadline day now looks costly. His leadership and aerial strength could have eased the pressure on Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool are expected to try again in January, but competition will be fierce — and Palace, currently above Liverpool, may resist.
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