Liverpool’s Premier League campaign has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Their 3–0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest was not just another bad day; it was a moment that laid bare the crisis unfolding at Anfield. After 12 matches, Liverpool have collected only 18 points and sit 11th in the table. Arsenal, who have played one match fewer, are already eight points clear. Whatever faint hopes remained of retaining the title now look entirely unrealistic.
Why are Liverpool performing so poorly?
Under Arne Slot, the match against Forest was perhaps the most alarming. When Morgan Gibbs-White scored the third goal with twelve minutes remaining, frustrated fans began leaving the stadium. Losing to Manchester City was understandable; losing at home to a struggling Forest side was nothing short of humiliating.
The issues run across the pitch. The defence looks disorganised, the midfield lacks control, and the attack is blunt. Liverpool have now lost six of their last seven league fixtures, a run that would trouble even relegation candidates, let alone defending champions.
Injuries or mentality?
Injuries continue to disrupt the squad. Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley are the latest casualties. But deeper concerns involve mentality. Senior players, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, look far from their best. New signings, expected to revitalise the squad, have yet to make a meaningful impact.
Tension around Slot is rising. Forest fans taunted him, shouting that he would be sacked the next morning. Although his dismissal seems unlikely for now, a continuation of poor results could quickly force the club into a decision.
Konaté’s collapse in form
Ibrahima Konaté’s decline has been particularly worrying. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, uncertainty may be affecting his performance. Against Forest he conceded a soft corner that led to the opening goal, committed repeated errors, and was fortunate a goal was ruled out by VAR. Slot substituted him early in the second half, and it was fully justified.
Isak: the record signing who has yet to deliver
Alexander Isak, the most expensive player in Premier League history, endured another ineffective game, touching the ball only fifteen times. He offered no goal threat, little movement, and minimal link-up play. Aside from a single goal in the Carabao Cup, he has made little impact so far. With six matches coming in the next 21 days, Slot may continue to start him, but adaptation is proving slow.
Slot’s reaction
After the match, Slot took full responsibility, saying:
“Good or bad, the responsibility is mine. We did not create enough and the changes we tried did not work.”
He urged the players to keep their heads up, reminding them of upcoming Champions League and league fixtures. However, without immediate improvement, the pressure on him will only intensify.