Nine losses in just twelve games. It’s Liverpool’s worst streak in over 70 years. This slump is hard to comprehend, especially for a team that breezed to the Premier League title last season and spent nearly £450 million to improve. Coach Arne Slot is under serious pressure to turn things around.
In their latest match, PSV Eindhoven capitalized on Liverpool’s shaky defense and lackluster offense, handing them a heavy defeat. This made it three consecutive losses where they conceded at least three goals—something not seen since December 1953, when Liverpool faced relegation.
What’s troubling is not just the grim statistics. After PSV scored their third and fourth goals, fans started leaving the stadium, echoing their frustration once again. There were some supportive chants after the final whistle, but boos were also heard. Just seven months ago, Slot won the title in his debut season. Now, he’s rapidly losing the fans’ trust.
Liverpool’s struggles have been amplified by slow starts. In ten of their last twelve matches, they conceded the first goal. Against PSV, captain Virgil van Dijk’s decision led to an early penalty that set a negative tone for the game. Ivan Perisic scored that penalty, and it was the worst start imaginable for a team already under fire.
Yet, Liverpool did rally briefly after falling behind. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo combined efforts to equalize. However, that spark dimmed quickly as PSV regained control. Their organized defense frustrated the home crowd, while Liverpool’s defensive lapses compounded the tension.
A highlight for PSV was Guus Til, who perfectly capitalized on a slip from Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, scoring with a neat finish. The situation worsened for Slot when Hugo Ekitiké went off injured, putting more strain on the squad.
Statistically, teams that experience such a rapid drop in form often struggle to bounce back. Research from sports psychologists suggests that self-doubt can overtake athletes, leading to a negative cycle. With players like Van Dijk admitting to feeling panicked, it’s clear Liverpool is not just dealing with physical obstacles but psychological ones as well.
Fans on social media are expressing their concern. Many are calling for a change in strategy or even a change in leadership. The once-revered “Kop” is restless, and without quick improvements, that unease may grow.
In short, Liverpool appears to be at a critical juncture. As they face their toughest stretch in decades, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining if they can change their trajectory—and if Slot can regain the faith of both his players and fans.
For more insights, check out detailed analyses on Liverpool’s recent form from The Guardian.
