It's been so long since Kopites could comfortably watch Liverpool matches under Arne Slot's tenure.
Last year's Premier League title run was pleasant, and we're still living off it. The team also built on that success, completing lucrative deals and establishing broader ambitions.
However, it looks like the Reds are struggling to regain their usual form. I don't wanna sound alarmist, but it's real right now.
Miserable Frontline Built-In
Florian Wirtz, first of all, is struggling now. No production in eight matches thus far—it's urgent for Liverpool to see if the German can shine. And it's not just on Wirtz himself. Slot has the responsibility to settle him down.
Through six Premier League matches and two Champions League appearances this season, Wirtz has registered zero goals and zero assists.
His expected goals stand at just 1.0 in the league, with 10 chances created and 23 shot-creating actions, but no goal contributions. For a player of his caliber, these are troubling numbers
He's struggling to navigate himself at Anfield. In the past at Leverkusen, then-manager Xabi Alonso ignited the German’s offensive instincts, giving the freedom to roam around the front and find the final touch as the offense went forward.
But under Slot, he's playing uncomfortably, stuck in the same spot while others have gotten used to their positions.
This results in overlapping plays when Wirtz roams, messing up the offensive build-up. For example, his fellow striker Cody Gakpo prefers cutting infield on and off the ball, where Wirtz's range of movement might block his route.
Wirtz seems confused about what he should do to avoid interfering with other forwards, indicating the reason why he had fewer touches in the final third than others.
Beyond Wirtz, the attacking setup has shadowed Liverpool's offensive struggles. As a team that drills many passes to make plays, the passing quality is declining. It's interfering with front-runners trying to connect while getting involved in the offense.
The velocity of the counter—which Liverpool should be extremely good at—has dropped a bit, diminishing final completions. Another year with dominated possessions, dominated shot attempts, but lost matches. Familiar scene? Yes.
Defensive Weakness
It was a cliché issue, and I thought Slot had dissolved it last season. However, our old friend is back, though.
Last season, Liverpool kept 14 clean sheets in the Premier League, the most of any team. In their opening 10 matches this year, they've kept just two clean sheets, compared to six at the same stage of 2024-25.
Slot's controlled-ball magic seems effortless no more this season. Literally every match Liverpool concedes goals, and the team has to rely on late-game winners.
Against the offensive struggle, I believe Slot focused too much on the attacking side. To situate Wirtz well, Dominik Szoboszlai moved from the position where he always energized the whole squad.
Now the Hungarian international has had to adapt to a new role on the defensive side. It went well initially, but it's not gonna work long-term.
His slight frame and limited defensive experience will cost the team one day, though he's putting in effort.
As we saw in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray on Sept. 30, his foul gave the Turkish side a game-winning penalty. But if you know ball, you're not gonna blame him for this.
What about other backline players? Below the average, in my view.
Konate has been sloppy since the season started, lacking the consistency he showed in the past. He couldn't even get back to his form from last year, making more mistakes.
A recent report from This Is Anfield describes him as "an accident waiting to happen," with a series of costly errors since the Community Shield loss to Palace in August.
This season, we've always seen a devastating scene: while Liverpool struggles to penetrate opponents' final third, our defensive form collapses as they execute simple counters or put up set pieces. Our line doesn't seem tightened anymore.
What's Next for Slot and Liverpool
You know, I'm always pessimistic—just because I prefer waiting for surprises. So I'd say it's gonna be long-term pain for Liverpool to find its best version.
But please keep believing in Slot. He has the same trait as former legend Jurgen Klopp: trying hard to adjust players and form the best system for the team.
While Klopp put all effort and assets into finding the best answer for gegenpressing, I believe Slot is finding the best balance for this talented squad with so many potential starters. At least, he did this before the last season began.
Now, Slot is trying many rotation experiments, though it comes with wasted time and sacrifices.
What I'm describing could be a one-season agenda. But other than that, we need a convincing win immediately. Let's see how they play something out at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.