A disappointing atmosphere has been covering Anfield for the past few weeks, especially in the match against Nottingham Forest. From the moment Murillo took the visitors to the top in the first half, people could feel the collapse from the Liverpool players themselves.
In the stands, the tension was also clearly felt. The ever-burning atmosphere at Anfield suddenly became quiet, then gradually turned into a feeling of lethargy as a series of fans stood up and left the field right after Morgan Gibbs-White's third goal with more than 10 minutes left.
Arne Slot is still respected by Liverpool fans after winning the Premier League last season. However, a series of 6 defeats in 7 matches is making patience gradually run out. Anfield is not a place of unlimited forgiveness and a warning has been sent to Slot as the time to correct his mistakes is getting shorter.
The numbers are against Liverpool
For the first time since 1965, Liverpool have lost two consecutive domestic games by three goals. This is only the second time in the Premier League era that they have lost 6/12 opening matches. The last time was in the 2014-15 season, when Brendan Rodgers lost control. 20 goals conceded after 12 rounds is the worst record for The Kop at the same time in any Premier League season.
If Anfield was their stronghold before, now at this stadium, Liverpool have won just one of their last three and lost two the same number of losses in the previous 53 matches.
This is not what fenway Sports Group expected after spending up to 484 million pounds in the summer. President Tom Werner, who was in the stands that day, believes the record amount will help Liverpool continue to compete for the title. However, the reality is the disorder between the stars who have lost form and the new recruits who have not been able to integrate.
Liverpool can no longer do the basic things
According to Opta, against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool had 75% possession but only created 1 big chance. They failed in the most basic details such as defending the ball dead. Liverpool have conceded nine goals from set-pieces, the same as in the 2024-25 season.
The most obvious contrast between last season and now is the team's fragility. Last season, Liverpool won 23 points from behind, while this season it is completely zero. When they fell into adversity, instead of rising up, they bowed their heads and lost their spirit. The whole team seemed to lose confidence, which was shown through the audience's reaction when a few Liverpool players were booed for fear of fighting.
Arne Slot's confusing decisions
If last season Arne Slot was praised for his good substitutions and reasonable tactical adjustments, now everything has become chaotic.
Why did Slot choose Dominik Szoboszlai to play right-back, instead of keeping him in midfield - where the Hungarian star had the biggest impact? Joe Gomez, the most experienced player in the defense, is completely healthy but only on the bench. Calvin Ramsay was also a more likely option to keep Szoboszlai in midfield but Slot did not use him.
These decisions are confusing in the context of Liverpool's defense in crisis and Ibrahima Konate playing extremely poorly.
Alexander Isak's 68th start was also controversial. The most expensive player in Premier League history has just returned from injury, playing just 30 minutes in the entire previous month. He was almost invisible when touching the ball exactly once in the first 20 minutes and had a total of 14 times before being withdrawn. In addition, the Swedish striker did not have any shots on target.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike - who scored 6 goals this season and just had his first goal for the French team - was left out to make way for Isak not ready.
Chaos after conceding
When the referee gave them a second half start, Liverpool conceded a goal in just 39 seconds. Alexis Mac Allister lost in a match he had to win. That goal showed an unbelievable level of decline.
After falling 0-2, Liverpool could not even show a clear game. Arne Slot's substitutions were dire. The two midfielders were pulled down to play in the wrong positions, the team structure was broken and there was no sign of a comeback.
This was Arne Slot's 50th Premier League match and ironically, it was his worst defeat since arriving in England. Nottingham beat the Dutchman for the first time 14 months ago, but now they are adding to that wound.
