Liverpool adrift in floodwaters: Arne Slot rescued

Liverpool are adrift in a flood, facing Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Man City, but Arne Slot says there is no change.

The Journey of Collapse

Just over a month ago, Liverpool were still top of the Premier League after six games, praised for their modern attacking style of play under manager Arne Slot.

But after more than four weeks, everything has turned around: six defeats since September 27 in all competitions, more than any other club in Europe's top five football leagues, with four consecutive defeats in the Premier League.

Slot claims to not change the gameplay. Photo: Alamy

This disastrous streak, after unprecedented spending on transfers (around 450 million pounds), has dragged the "Red Brigade" down to 7th in the Premier League, and also caused them to be eliminated from the League Cup with a humiliating 0-3 loss to Crystal Palace right at Anfield.

It’s not just the numbers, it’s the sense of disorientation. Once a team full of confidence, Liverpool are now showing their fragility: the defense is conceding goals easily, the attack is squandering chances, and the squad is constantly ravaged by injuries.

There was talk of Slot being sacked after the defeat to Crystal Palace – a historic defeat at Anfield.

That scenario could happen if Liverpool cannot escape the crisis in the next week, with three important matches: against Aston Villa and Man City in the Premier League , in between is the big match against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

But in the midst of that flood, the Dutch strategist still kept his voice unusually calm.

Before the match against Aston Villa (3am on November 2), Slot affirmed that he has no intention of making radical changes.

“I don’t see any reason to change my style ,” Slot declared as he prepared for a battle of wits with Unai Emery, against whom he took four points in two meetings in the 2024/25 season.

According to Slot, “we need to improve our defense, but we cannot lose our attacking identity. The problem is that we did not take advantage of the opportunities we created.”

Liverpool are vulnerable. Photo: PA

What are the chances Slot mentions? According to Opta, Liverpool's expected goals (xG) – a measure of the value of their attacks – were 15.8; while they actually scored 16.

Meanwhile, FotMob data shows that Liverpool missed 19 good chances, equal to Man City. Only Crystal Palace (22) missed more good chances. In the "The Kop" squad, Salah missed 5 times, followed by Isak (4) and Hugo Ekitike (2).

Who saved Slot?

Slot understands that the current crisis cannot be explained by luck alone. “I can give five or six reasons, from injuries, to the schedule, fitness, bad luck…, but there is no excuse enough for the current run of results.”

It can be seen that Slot is straightforward and steadfast. He does not panic, focuses on work and believes that the team will return when the pillars fully recover.

“I believe Liverpool have a great squad if everyone is fit and ready for the fixtures ahead ,” Slot said optimistically.

Do Liverpool officials think so? At least, according to the 47-year-old, he still has the club's support, as he "shares the same perspective" as sporting director Richard Hughes.

However, patience at Anfield is not limitless. As the schedule becomes more condensed, the surprise factor increases and the competitiveness between teams also improves, Slot's Liverpool shows too many limitations.

Salah's performance has decreased, who will save Slot? Photo: PA

The data doesn't lie: only Burnley – ranked 16th, with 17 goals conceded – have faced more clear-cut chances from open play (21) than Liverpool (19) this season.

Look at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s team has only faced two similar situations, and has occupied the top spot since round 7. Despite the result at Burnley (10pm on November 1), the “Gunners” still hold the top spot for at least one more round.

Who will save Slot, when Salah has lost his "killer" instinct since his new salary, Florian Wirtz is a disaster, Isak has yet to score, and Alisson is still recovering from an injury?

“I don't see the team conceding as many goals as people say, so I don't see any reason to completely change the way we play, we just need to improve our scoring ability ,” Slot emphasized once again.

No one can save Arne Slot except himself. The Dutch coach must face the reality he is trying to justify: in the last 10 matches, Liverpool's net has always been conquered by the opponent.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/liverpool-vs-aston-villa-chien-dich-giai-cuu-arne-slot-2458416.html