Arne Slot has ‘unsettled’ Liverpool as Reds midfield slammed as ‘sluggish and lumbering’
Arne Slot has a number of issues to resolve at Liverpool during the international break, with the Dutchman perhaps part of the problem at Anfield.
Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat at Man City was a major blow in the Reds’ title hopes, with a gap of eight points now between them and league leaders Arsenal.
Matt Le Tissier believes Slot’s job at Liverpool could be in danger if there poor run of form continues after the international break.
Liverpool have lost seven of their last 10 games in all competitions, with Slot appearing to sacrifice the Carabao Cup to focus on the Premier League and Champions League.
Pat Nevin blasts Arne Slot’s summer ‘revolution’ at Liverpool
Speaking to BBC Sport, [12 November], Pat Nevin states that Slot needs to ensure Liverpool do not put in another Man City style performance when they return to action against Nottingham Forest.
“They say the league table never lies, but that does not mean it is always easy to get the entire truth out of it,” Nevin said.
“With second and ninth being separated by only two points, it is ridiculous to take too much out of a league position. Even so, Liverpool going into the international break in eighth is a bit of a shock, at least on The Kop.
“There is also the eight-point gap between themselves and Arsenal to consider. For goodness’ sake they are only three points – one win – above the rejuvenated Everton.
“Everyone is looking for the cause of the problem. Certainly the planned revolution rather than evolution of the squad by Arne Slot this summer, has unsettled the group.
“Mohamed Salah is not getting them out of the holes the way he has regularly done in the past either – his four league goals so far is a respectable return but not his usual super-human level.
| Minutes Played | 984 |
| Shots on target | 9 |
| Chances created | 21 |
| Dribble Success % | 30.4% |
“But it is the way their midfield has been made to look sluggish and lumbering that is a concern. That is not who they are – they are young and vibrant. Slot has to make sure the display we witnessed in the first 45 minutes at Manchester City does not recur.”
Virgil van Dijk goal call correct in Man City clash
Liverpool’s match against Man City could have gone differently had Virgil van Dijk’s header had been allowed to stand to level the game.
Howard Webb believes the on-field decision to disallow van Dijk’s goal was justified, amid outrage from many about how the goal was not allowed to stand.
Slot needs moments like that to turn in his favour as the Reds enter a crucial period of fixtures if they are to re-enter the title race.