This is a heavy defeat, but what disappoints Liverpool fans is that small details constantly make the team pay the price. Coach Arne Slot believes that part of it comes from bad luck, but the reality is even more than that.
The Dutch coach continued to mention the familiar issue. Liverpool is punished for every mistake, while not taking advantage of the opportunity. Expected goal data shows that the match has a ratio of 2.44 compared to 1.46, but this number does not fully reflect the story.
The two teams controlled the ball equivalently and both launched 11 shots. However, the difference lies in the accuracy in decisive moments. It's not luck, but a lack of focus on small details - a factor that is gradually becoming a systematic problem at Anfield this season.
In the press conference, Slot admitted: "After they scored, we still had a chance. But from a throw-in situation, we conceded. Both goals conceded came from such balls. In those moments, you have to defend sharper".
It is noteworthy that despite clearly analyzing the problem, Slot has not yet come up with a specific solution. In fact, Liverpool was once one of the pioneers in valuing throw-in situations under Jurgen Klopp, when appointing expert Thomas Gronnemark.
According to Gronnemark, Liverpool's current problem is not only in technique, but also in thinking: "If you lose the ball from a throw-in, the opponent will control the match and may score".
That was clearly shown in the match against Manchester City. A simple handling from the throw-in situation helped the opponent deploy an attack and ended with a goal by Antoine Semenyo.
The problem is not just a single situation, but a sign of a comprehensive decline in playing standards. Liverpool players lack connection, do not know how to create space and handle when the first option fails.
The difference lies in detail, not luck. And that is what caused the "Red Brigade" to lose the identity that once helped them dominate.
Arne Slot may face many difficulties such as injuries, force changes or pressure outside the pitch. But what experts are concerned about is that small factors - things that are under control - are being forgotten.
A seemingly simple throw-in, but it became a symbol of Liverpool's decline this season.
The latest defeat continues to prolong The Kop's disappointing streak this season. The Anfield home team has reached 15 defeats - the worst number since Brendan Rodgers' time.
Pressure is therefore increasingly weighing on Arne Slot's shoulders, especially in the context of the big challenge named Paris Saint-Germain waiting for them in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Experts believe that Slot's retention partly stems from the club's long-term plan. Accordingly, Xabi Alonso is considered the top candidate for the coaching chair at Anfield. After making a splash with the Bundesliga championship with Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso's return to Liverpool is only a matter of time.
In that context, the team's leadership is facing a difficult choice: to change immediately to save the season, or wait until summer to carry out a smooth transition process.
However, if there is no timely adjustment, the prospect of heavy failures continuing to occur is entirely possible.
