Four defeats in a row, fourth in the Premier League, and four points behind leaders Arsenal signal trouble for Liverpool. The team that dominated last season now looks vulnerable at the back, sluggish in midfield, and toothless in attack. Manager Arne Slot has spent nearly £450 million on new talent but still struggles to find his best starting XI. Against Manchester United on Sunday, summer signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Jeremie Frimpong, acquired for a combined £214.5 million, all started on the bench. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock highlighted the challenge of integrating high-profile players without disrupting the team’s balance. Slot must now answer pressing questions if Liverpool are to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat, a streak not seen since 1953.
Should Salah be dropped?
Mohamed Salah has carried Liverpool for eight seasons, but his form has dipped sharply this term. After 29 league goals last season, he has yet to score in the Premier League since 14 September. His last non-penalty goal came in the opening match against Bournemouth. This marks his first streak of seven consecutive league games without scoring from open play since 2017. Salah missed a clear chance on Sunday while chasing an equaliser against Manchester United, reflecting his growing lack of confidence. He hesitates when facing defenders and thrives less in slow, possession-heavy attacks. Wayne Rooney has questioned his work rate, especially as he contributes less defensively. Slot now faces a difficult choice: trust a proven hero or take the risk of dropping him to reignite form.
Isak or Ekitike? Why not both?
Alexander Isak arrived with a British record £125 million price tag and high expectations, but he has yet to score in seven Liverpool appearances. Missed pre-season preparation affected his sharpness, while fellow recruit Hugo Ekitike scored five in his first eight games. Ekitike’s momentum stalled after a second yellow card for celebrating a late goal against Southampton. Slot now favors Isak as the main striker, but the Swede has struggled, receiving only 19 touches in 71 minutes against Manchester United. Federico Chiesa, coming off the bench, had 23 touches and provided an assist in the same match. Slot faces a strategic decision: stick with Isak, reinstate Ekitike, or find a formation that allows both to contribute effectively.
Is Liverpool’s midfield better or worse with Wirtz?
Florian Wirtz, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for up to £116 million, has yet to make a lasting impact at Liverpool. He played a full pre-season but has not scored, providing only one assist in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace. Leverkusen used him on the left, allowing him to drive inside with the ball. Slot has placed him centrally behind the strikers, disrupting Liverpool’s previously effective midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Despite creating chances at an impressive rate, Wirtz spends more time on the bench. Slot must decide whether to restore him as a central figure and demand more from others in attack or continue relying on his original midfield setup.
Is there a full-back fix?
Losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid left a massive void on Liverpool’s right flank. Jeremie Frimpong, bought for £29.5 million, competes with Conor Bradley and midfielder Szoboszlai for minutes. Both full-backs attack aggressively, leaving space behind that opponents exploit. Salah’s lack of defensive support compounds the problem. Chelsea’s winning goal in early October exploited this space, and United scored Sunday’s winner due to a similar overload. Former players warn that Frimpong was signed as a utility option, not a specialist right-back. On the left, Andy Robertson has lost his starting role to Milos Kerkez, whose positioning often leaves center-back Virgil van Dijk exposed. Slot must identify the best defensive setup and possibly reinstate Robertson or adjust Frimpong’s role.
How can central defence be tightened?
Exposed full-backs leave extra pressure on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, who have looked vulnerable to counter-attacks. Liverpool’s goals conceded have risen sharply from three at the same stage last season to 11 this term. They have kept only two clean sheets and have struggled against set-pieces, conceding five goals from dead-ball situations. Individual errors also hurt the team, with Konate faltering on Bournemouth’s opening goals and Van Dijk out of position for United’s opener. Slot must improve defensive cohesion urgently to prevent further damage and secure points in the Premier League race.
