The pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot intensified to a critical level following a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Anfield to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night. This latest loss marks a staggering nine defeats in their last twelve matches, plunging the Premier League champions into a deep crisis.
Defensive Collapse Proves Costly
The nightmare began almost immediately for the Reds. Inside just five minutes, captain Virgil van Dijk was penalised for handball from a corner, presenting PSV with a penalty. Ivan Perisic made no mistake from the spot, giving the visitors an early lead. This was the ninth time in 12 matches that Liverpool have conceded first.
Dominik Szoboszlai provided a brief glimmer of hope, justifying his advanced role by equalising midway through the first half after a spell of Liverpool pressure. However, the defensive frailties that have plagued the team all season resurfaced dramatically after the break.
Milos Kerkez was at fault for PSV's second goal, being too easily bypassed by Guus Til who finished calmly. The situation deteriorated further when Ibrahima Konate's error allowed Couhaib Driouech to score on the rebound. Driouech then compounded the misery by adding a fourth in stoppage time to complete a miserable evening for the Anfield faithful.
Mounting Pressure on Arne Slot
The full-time whistle was met with a mix of boos and supportive chants, highlighting the fractured mood around the club. While the fans remain behind the team, Arne Slot now faces serious questions about his future.
The Dutchman cut a dejected figure on the touchline, particularly after his team fell two goals behind with 17 minutes remaining. While individual mistakes from players like Kerkez and Konate are difficult for any manager to legislate for, the consistent pattern of poor results and performances falls squarely on his shoulders. The media frenzy surrounding his position is set to intensify, with the Dutchman potentially having only a handful of games to save his career at Liverpool.
Salah's Struggles and Silver Linings
It was another forgettable night for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, usually so prolific in Europe, rarely threatened the PSV goal. With Salah set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next month, Liverpool's lack of attacking output is a major concern that Slot must address urgently.
One of the few positives was the performance of Dominik Szoboszlai. Playing in a more advanced role, the Hungarian captain was a driving force in Liverpool's attacks and took his goal excellently. His display, watched by Steven Gerrard in the TNT Sports studio, suggested he may be a solution further forward, though his tenacity is also missed in midfield.
The inquest at Anfield will be severe. With mistakes, poor form, and a beleaguered manager, Liverpool are in a world of trouble and need to find answers quickly if their season is to be salvaged.
