The image of a frustrated Mohamed Salah walking off the pitch as Liverpool desperately chased an equaliser against Manchester United has become an ominous symbol of the club’s current struggles.
For years, Salah has been the face of Liverpool’s success — the player capable of producing game-changing moments when it matters most. But on Sunday, at a packed Anfield, he was substituted for Jeremie Frimpong moments after Harry Maguire’s 84th-minute header secured Manchester United’s first win at Anfield in over a decade.
The 2-1 defeat handed Liverpool their fourth consecutive loss, their worst run since 2014 under Brendan Rodgers. What once looked like a temporary blip has now developed into a serious slump, placing enormous pressure on head coach Arne Slot — especially after his stunning title-winning debut season.
“If you lose four times in a row, you need to be concerned,” admitted Arne Slot after the match. “We know how it works in football. If we keep bringing in these performances, we will have a fair chance of winning more football games. Losing four times in a row definitely does something with the team.”
Liverpool are one loss away from equalling a 72-year-old record. If they fall to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, it would mark their fifth straight defeat — something that last happened in September 1953.
The atmosphere at Anfield reflected growing frustration. Liverpool’s build-up play often lacked pace and purpose, and they struggled to break down United’s resilient defence. This once relentless team looked uncertain, with every missed chance deepening the anxiety.
Mohamed Salah’s Form a Concern for Liverpool
Perhaps the most worrying sign for Liverpool fans is the form of their talisman. Salah, now 33, missed a golden opportunity in the second half and extended his run without a non-penalty goal to seven matches. Doubting a world-class player like Salah is always risky, but his body language and performance levels suggest a dip in confidence and sharpness.
Earlier this season, Salah was left out of the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul. Now, being substituted in a crucial moment against United underlines his current struggles. He remains central to Liverpool’s identity, but without his spark, their attack has looked disjointed.
Liverpool’s vulnerability this season is particularly surprising given their record-breaking investment in the transfer market. Arne Slot was handed nearly £450 million to strengthen the squad after winning the Premier League title. But the results have been underwhelming.
Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Alexander Isak (£125m) were supposed to add new dimensions to Liverpool’s attack, but neither has lived up to expectations. Isak was largely anonymous against United, while Wirtz again came off the bench without making a significant impact.
Their combined contribution — despite costing the club £241m — has been minimal, leaving Liverpool looking far less dangerous in the final third compared to last season.
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock summed it up on BBC 5 Live: “Arne Slot has a couple of decisions to make. Szoboszlai looks better at right-back and suits moving into midfield, even if it’s not his preferred role. Frimpong had more influence in ten minutes than Salah did in most of the game.”
Indeed, Frimpong’s late cameo produced two dangerous crosses, one of which Cody Gakpo nearly converted. Hugo Ekitike also provided more energy up front than Isak, raising questions about Slot’s starting selections.
The once clinical and structured Liverpool side now gives off an air of chaos, especially defensively. Milos Kerkez struggled throughout the game, almost scoring an own goal when the ball rebounded off his face. Defensive lapses, once rare under Slot, are now becoming common.
The debate around Liverpool’s defending intensified when Alexis Mac Allister suffered a head injury after an accidental collision with captain Virgil van Dijk’s elbow. Referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue, and Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on Van Dijk’s slow recovery, slotting past stand-in keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
While some pointed to officiating decisions, the bigger issue remains Liverpool’s defensive disorganisation. The team that once controlled matches with composure and pressing intensity now looks fragile at the back, inviting pressure rather than absorbing it.
The coming week could define Liverpool’s season. A Champions League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt would not only break an unwanted historical record but also cast serious doubt over their title defence ambitions.
Salah’s form, tactical uncertainties, and underperforming big-money signings are all contributing to a crisis of confidence at Anfield. While Arne Slot has earned trust after last season’s triumph, the current situation demands bold decisions and immediate improvement.
Liverpool have faced adversity before — and often responded with resilience. But if this downward spiral continues, the optimism that surrounded Slot’s early reign could fade quickly.
Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United was more than just another defeat; it was a statement of their current fragility. The sight of Salah walking off, the lack of creativity, and the defensive confusion paint a worrying picture for a club used to setting the Premier League standard.
With the Champions League and domestic fixtures piling up, Liverpool must rediscover their identity — and fast — if they are to avoid turning a poor run into a full-blown crisis.
Source-BBC
