Liverpool’s recent struggles deepened following a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Manchester City, leaving Arne Slot’s team eighth in the Premier League and a significant eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. The manager, however, remains focused on long-term improvement rather than dwelling on title aspirations.
Slot emphasized the need for consistent results before even considering a title challenge. He pointed to the importance of assessing the league table after a full 38 games, or at least after the halfway point of 19 games, dismissing the current focus on the title race as premature. The immediate priority, he stated, is clear: improvement across the board.
The weekend’s results have dramatically shifted the landscape of the title race, with Arsenal’s previously dominant form now facing scrutiny. Their recent stumble, coupled with City’s emphatic victory, suggests a familiar pattern may be unfolding – one where City relentlessly hunts down the Gunners from a seemingly distant position.
City’s attacking prowess is once again a defining feature of their game, with their wingers exhibiting a dynamic style reminiscent of past stars like Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. Jeremy Doku, in particular, showcased his electrifying dribbling ability, consistently delivering impactful end product, while Rayan Cherki’s inventive play added another dimension to City’s attack.
The competition for England’s left-back spot is intensifying, and Nico O’Reilly is rapidly emerging as a strong contender. Tasked with containing Mohamed Salah, the young City defender delivered a composed and resolute performance, demonstrating the poise and ball control demanded by Pep Guardiola’s system.
Liverpool’s summer signing, Wirtz, is facing mounting pressure as his impact on the team remains minimal. His infrequent involvement in the game and apparent discomfort with playmaking responsibilities are raising serious concerns for both the player and manager. He appears to lack confidence and decisiveness, presenting a significant challenge to overcome.
Controversy erupted when a Virgil van Dijk goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Andy Robertson. Slot vehemently disagreed with the decision, citing a similar goal allowed for City last season and questioning the timing of the linesman’s flag – a full 14 seconds after the ball crossed the line. He believes the initial decision on the pitch, and its subsequent confirmation by VAR, were incorrect.
Despite acknowledging City’s overall superiority, Slot expressed frustration over the disallowed goal, believing it could have shifted the momentum of the game. He also highlighted his team’s difficulties in building play from the back, specifically pinpointing the challenges posed by Doku’s movement and O’Reilly’s wide play.
Falling 2-0 behind in the first half proved decisive, making a comeback against a dominant City side incredibly difficult. Liverpool’s recent form – only one win in their last six league games – underscores the scale of the task facing Slot as he seeks to revitalize the team and restore their competitive edge.
