Liverpool’s Premier League title defence has taken a dramatic downturn after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat, plunging the champions into what many now describe as “crisis time.” The Reds’ 3-2 loss to Brentford continued a worrying trend that has seen them also beaten by Chelsea, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace in recent weeks.
The defeat leaves Liverpool five points adrift of leaders Arsenal and already matching the number of league losses they endured throughout the entirety of last season. It marks a sharp decline from the dominant, high-intensity football that defined their title-winning campaign just months ago.
Despite spending an eye-watering £446 million in the summer transfer window, Liverpool have looked disjointed both defensively and offensively. They have conceded nine goals in their last four games, struggling to cope with physical teams and direct play. Their once-formidable press and structure appear to have faded, raising questions about Arne Slot’s approach and the squad’s physical sharpness.
Slot himself admitted after the Brentford loss that his team “had no answer” to their opponent’s physicality and aggression, describing the performance as the “worst of his tenure.” Brentford capitalised on Liverpool’s defensive lapses, scoring through Dango Ouattara, Kevin Schade, and Igor Thiago. Late goals from Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah offered little consolation.
Liverpool’s vulnerability from set-pieces and long throws has become a recurring weakness. Opponents are exploiting the team’s aerial frailty and lack of intensity in second-ball situations — traits that once defined their resilience. Slot acknowledged this problem, conceding that teams “have found a good strategy” to expose their flaws.
While Salah managed to end his six-game goal drought, the Egyptian forward remains below his usual standards. New signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are yet to settle into Slot’s system, leaving the attack disjointed and lacking chemistry.
With Liverpool slipping to seventh in the table, Slot faces mounting pressure to reverse the slide. A crucial Carabao Cup fixture against Crystal Palace awaits midweek, followed by league meetings with Aston Villa and Manchester City — games that could determine whether the Reds can salvage their season or spiral further into crisis.
