Liverpool's season plunged to a new low as they suffered an embarrassing 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven, heaping immense pressure on manager Arne Slot.
Anfield Humiliation
The chastening night at Anfield saw the Dutch side inflict a ninth defeat in 12 matches on the struggling Reds. This dismal run represents the club's worst sequence of results since the period between November 1953 and January 1954. The loss also marked the first time since December 1953 that Liverpool have lost three consecutive games by a margin of three goals.
The match began in the worst possible fashion for the home team. A bizarre handball from captain Virgil van Dijk gifted PSV an early penalty, which was calmly converted by Ivan Perisic. Although Dominik Szoboszlai managed to level the score just ten minutes later, this proved to be a fleeting moment of joy.
McManaman's Defence of Slot
Despite the alarming collapse, former Liverpool star Steve McManaman has insisted it is far too early to question Arne Slot's future at the club. Speaking on TNT Sports, the ex-winger was unequivocal in his support.
"I personally think 'no'," McManaman stated when asked if Slot's position was already in doubt. "I think it's far too early to come up with a question like that. They'd have to go out of the Champions League and be wallowing near the bottom of the league."
McManaman believes the situation should only be reassessed after Liverpool's clash with Arsenal in mid-January. "They play Arsenal second week of January, that's when the question should be asked. They'll be halfway through the season by then," he added.
Second Half Collapse and Growing Pressure
Any hope of a Liverpool recovery was extinguished in a shocking second-half performance. Guus Til put the Eredivisie side back in front early after the break, before a double from Couhaib Driouech compounded the misery for Slot and his team, sealing a humiliating 4-1 scoreline.
The result leaves Liverpool languishing 11 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, with a difficult away fixture against West Ham United looming on Sunday. Former Reds captain Steven Gerrard acknowledged the intense scrutiny facing his old club, noting, "That's the world we live in. I've been in that position myself. You understand there are going to be serious questions asked. That comes with the territory, that's life especially at the top end."
As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on whether Arne Slot can orchestrate a swift turnaround or if the calls for change grow louder.
