Anfield witnessed a shocking display on Wednesday night as Liverpool were thrashed 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven, further intensifying the pressure on manager Arne Slot. The defeat marks a new low in what has become a troubling run of form for the reigning Premier League champions, with fans and pundits alike questioning Slot's tactics and the team's overall performance.
The match started disastrously for Liverpool, with Virgil van Dijk conceding a penalty in the sixth minute after bizarrely punching a corner clear. Ivan Perisic converted the penalty, silencing the Anfield crowd. Liverpool managed to find an equalizer ten minutes later through Dominik Szoboszlai, who slotted home a rebound after a shot from Cody Gakpo. However, this proved to be a mere respite as PSV regained control of the match.
The second half saw PSV capitalize on Liverpool's defensive frailties. Guus Til finished off a counter-attack in the 56th minute to restore the Dutch side's lead. Substitute Couhaib Driouech then sealed the victory with two late goals, one in the 73rd minute and another in added time, compounding Liverpool's misery. The final whistle was met with boos from the home crowd, highlighting the growing discontent with the team's performances.
This loss marks Liverpool's ninth defeat in their last twelve games, and their third consecutive loss by a three-goal margin. It is also the first time since September 1992 that Liverpool have conceded three or more goals in three consecutive games in all competitions. The statistics paint a clear picture of a team in crisis, struggling both defensively and offensively.
Slot's tactics have come under scrutiny, with some suggesting that his emphasis on possession-based football may be contributing to the team's defensive vulnerabilities. After a recent 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Slot himself hinted that having less possession might be a solution to their problems, admitting that the defenders are maybe only thinking about ball possession. He suggested the team is not switched on when they have to defend.
Individual performances have also been criticized, with Cody Gakpo facing particular backlash from fans for his ineffective display against his former side. Pundits have also pointed to the struggles of Mohamed Salah, who has failed to replicate his goal-scoring form from last season.
The defeat to PSV raises serious questions about Liverpool's chances in the Champions League and their ability to compete for domestic honors. With the team currently struggling in the Premier League, pressure is mounting on Arne Slot to find a solution and turn things around quickly. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the Dutch manager as he seeks to restore confidence and guide Liverpool out of this deepening crisis.
