When the pouring rain fell on Anfield and the stands gradually became deserted before the final whistle, the resounding sound was not a cheer, it was a mockery from the away team's fans. Can you see us every week? - Crystal Palace fans sang like that to enjoy their third consecutive win against Liverpool this season.
From an Anfield that was once bustling in the championship race a year ago, the atmosphere has now been replaced by anxiety and disappointment.
Arne Slot is now facing a storm of criticism. 6 defeats in the last 7 matches in all competitions have made Liverpool the focus of mockery. In the stands, slogans about Slot about to be fired have appeared more and more.
An unexpected crisis
October was once expected to be a breakthrough but turned into a series of nightmare days for Liverpool when they were eliminated from the League Cup, with a series of injuries. The energy that created the identity of Slot-ball suddenly disappeared. The most bitter thing is that for the first time since 2019, Liverpool have lost 5 consecutive matches against English teams.
However, a failure in the League Cup is not a turning point disaster. The important thing is what happens right before the big match against Aston Villa in the Premier League, the match that can decide the direction of the season.
Slot took a risk when using a strong rotating formation, eliminating many pillars in the context of a power-assisted crisis. Many fans agreed, saying that it was the only way to keep the pillars such as Szboszlai, Van Dijk or Gravenberch healthy before a series of important matches. However, as Liverpool continue to suffer defeat, the question is whether Arne Slot will bet too much?
A forced choice or a strategic mistake?
Slot admitted that he only has 15 players in a good team, forcing him to change 10 positions in the starting lineup. However, the paradox arises when if the goal is to preserve the force, why let young players have to bear the pressure at a time when the team's spirit is low?
The contrast is clearly visible when looking to the other side of the front line. Oliver Glasner chose the strongest squad, although Palace also played with high density. Meanwhile, Liverpool brought on young players who were too immature. The total number of matches they have played for the first team is less than 20. Even young talents like Nallo received red cards right after entering the field. Without Salah, Van Dijk, Ekitike or Isak to put out the fire, those young faces were like being thrown into the pressure furnace.
Other first-team players on the pitch did not help the team escape the decline in form when Joe Gomez was sloppy, Endo was slow, Chiesa lost his feeling, and Kerkez continued to leave a disappointing performance. Liverpool played as a team with a lack of confidence, energy and lack of tactical support.
Positive signals and clear warnings
The only thing Slot can take advantage of is the attitude of the fans. Despite being behind 0-2, most of the Anfield fans cheered until the end. However, that support is not limitless. No fan would accept the scene of their team being mocked at Anfield for too long.
Liverpool are not only losing, they are also losing their identity. Speed, intensity, confidence the factors that turned them into fears are all fading. Although Arne Slot is trusted, patience at Merseyside is much more fragile than under Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool must get up now
Slot's rotating gambling is an anti-shock therapy, aiming to prepare forces for a stressful tourmalet. However, the Premier League is not waiting for anyone and an ambitious team like Liverpool cannot accept a long series of dark days.
From Aston Villa to the matches before Christmas, each match will be like a final. Slot needs to do many things, but the most important thing is to shock the team's spirit, restoring the abundant energy like last season.
Liverpool have risen from the mud many times and this time too. However, to do that, Arne Slot must prove that he controls the situation, not just deal with it. The Dutch coach's gambling has put the tables and time to prove that it is counting down.
