Liverpool's recent 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge has raised serious questions about the team's current form and direction, with observers suggesting that the issues run deeper than just a momentary blip. This marks their third consecutive loss in all competitions, a concerning trend that has seen them surrender their lead in the Premier League to Arsenal.

After a strong start to the season, with seven wins in all competitions, cracks are beginning to appear. The Reds' struggles can be attributed to a number of factors, including difficulty integrating new signings, a drop in defensive solidity, and an over-reliance on attacking football.

The Chelsea defeat highlighted several of these issues. Despite Cody Gakpo's equalizer, Liverpool conceded a late goal, showcasing a fragility that was uncharacteristic of their title-winning form. Liverpool have now lost each of their last four Premier League games in London. The match also saw both managers, Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca, receive yellow cards, with Maresca also getting a red card.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also weighed in on the team's tactical approach under Arne Slot, suggesting that their emphasis on attacking football may be leaving them exposed defensively. Klopp noted that while Liverpool's style is "really, really good" and "very offensive oriented," he questioned whether they are taking too many risks.

Liverpool's defensive frailties have been a growing concern. Last season, their defensive record worsened in the second half of the campaign, conceding more goals per game compared to the first half. This defensive decline has continued into the current season, with the team conceding an average of 1.16 goals per league game and 1.25 goals per game in all competitions.

The team's struggles are not limited to their defense. Key players like Mohamed Salah have also experienced a dip in form, with wayward finishing proving costly in recent matches. The new signings, despite costing the club a significant £400 million, are yet to fully gel, leaving Slot searching for solutions. He is waiting for new arrivals Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to reach their potential.

Despite the recent setbacks, Liverpool's home form remains a significant strength. Anfield continues to be a fortress, with the team consistently demonstrating high levels of ball possession, passing accuracy, and intensity. However, their away form has been less impressive, with losses in London.

Looking ahead, Arne Slot faces the challenge of addressing these issues and finding a way to restore Liverpool to their former glory. This may involve tweaking the team's tactical approach, improving defensive stability, and integrating the new signings more effectively. The manager also needs to find a way to reignite the form of key players like Salah and Alexander Isak. The road ahead will not be easy, but with the right adjustments, Liverpool can overcome their current struggles and once again compete for major honors.