Liverpool Football Club is experiencing its worst run of form in over seven decades. This dismal performance has begun to raise fears about the team’s future and long-term strategy. The Reds suffered a severe 4-1 hammering by PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League. In a terribly disheartening season, this loss marks yet another low point. The club is in an awful spell, having taken only three wins from their past twelve games in all competitions. Such an acute level of pain hasn’t been experienced since the winter of 1954.
The poor performance from the players against PSV Eindhoven just added another layer of critical problems in the squad. Virgil van Dijk, the linchpin of Liverpool’s backline, conceded an early penalty. Unfortunately, this rookie error would dictate the rest of the game. He couldn’t even stop PSV’s attacking threats, which compounded the team’s early-season struggles. He was guilty of playing a part in the Dutch side’s second goal.
A Historic Decline
On the pitch, Liverpool’s collapse has been dramatic, with the team losing nine of their last twelve fixtures. That’s the longest stretch of the club since November 1953 to January 1954. The current situation has been compounded by an alarming trend: Liverpool has now lost three consecutive matches in all competitions by a margin of three or more goals, a feat not witnessed since December 1953.
The squad’s defensive weakness has been clear, especially in these last games. Ibrahima Konate got ripped apart by PSV’s Sergino Dest and Guus Til, which further opened the floodgates to any criticisms of Liverpool’s backline. When Curtis Jones uncharacteristically lost possession deep in his own area in the second half of the eventual 2-2 draw against PSV, this error was emblematic of the team’s difficulty with staying on top.
“That had a bit to do with Hugo Ekitike, who straight after half-time felt his back. That is why the press was not aggressive enough. If the press is not aggressive enough, they have players who can outplay you.” – Arne Slot
Offensive Drought
To compound their defensive problems, Liverpool’s attack has struggled to really get going. Mohamed Salah has scored only twice for the club since September 17, which is a stark contrast to his previous scoring form. While new signing Alexander Isak hasn’t had much success in finding his footing. Since arriving from Newcastle United, he has scored just one goal in ten outings.
The expectation level rises on Liverpool’s attacking players when they’re being raked over the coals for not scoring goals. The club’s biggest challenge remains holding onto wins after failing to score three-plus goals in 31 of their 34 league matches. Further, this challenge has really increased the urgency among all of the players!
Leadership Woes
The prevailing crisis has raised eyebrows even for Virgil van Dijk’s lofty standards. On and off the pitch, he is regarded as a natural leader. His performances in recent game have been notably criticized, cast under a different light especially considering how pivotal he has been to the crux of Liverpool’s defense. This pressure will surely color his leadership as he leads through this awkward and troublesome time.
Hugo Ekitike has struggled through injury, making things even tougher for Liverpool to navigate. The ace felt a sudden back spasm during the game against PSV. This loss significantly affected his performance and increased the difficulty of the team’s ability to press high, intense.
Given these obstacles, Liverpool will need to regroup in their approach both on the pitch and in their squad building. The team is preparing for important matches in league play as well as in domestic cup competitions. Fans and media alike are waiting with bated breath to see if they can reverse their luck.
Leave a Reply