Liverpool chairman Tom Werner witnessed a troubling performance as Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, marking back-to-back heavy league losses for only the second time since Bill Shankly’s tenure began in 1965. The result leaves the defending Premier League champions languishing in 12th place, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, with six losses in seven games.
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner witnessed a troubling performance as Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, marking back-to-back heavy league losses for only the second time since Bill Shankly’s tenure began in 1965. The result leaves the defending Premier League champions languishing in 12th place, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, with six losses in seven games.
Central to Liverpool’s struggles are their costly summer signings, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. The £125m Isak, following a difficult exit from Newcastle United and a groin injury, delivered an underwhelming display against Forest, prompting questions about his ability to influence games. His touch count, 14 overall and just two in the opening 25 minutes, highlighted his ineffectiveness.
Florian Wirtz has similarly struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity and remains yet to contribute a goal or assist. While both players have clear quality, Slot must find a way to integrate them effectively or reconsider his starting selections, given that Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s top scorer with six goals, has had limited opportunities despite proven impact.
There is little indication that Isak and Ekitike can coexist effectively upfront. Slot may need to choose between them, as their combined cost of almost £200m demands tangible returns on the pitch.
Wayne Rooney has suggested that Mohamed Salah’s role should be examined, particularly regarding his defensive contribution. Despite some criticism, Salah was Liverpool’s brightest threat against Forest, although he faded as the game progressed. Slot has already rested Salah in Champions League matches this season, showing he is willing to adjust his lineup when necessary.
At present, removing Salah from the team may be premature. His presence remains crucial, especially before the Africa Cup of Nations in December, when he will join the Egypt squad. Slot must find a way to maximize Salah’s influence without compromising team cohesion.
Returning to the foundations of last season’s title-winning setup could help Liverpool regain form. The combination of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, provided the platform for Liverpool’s best recent wins, indicating that a more structured approach could stabilize the team.
Liverpool’s defensive frailties have compounded their struggles. Injuries and the departure of key players have forced Slot into unorthodox positional changes, such as deploying Szoboszlai at right-back, which reduced his impact in midfield. Similarly, Milos Kerkez and Frimpong have struggled in wide defensive roles, while Joe Gomez may have been a more suitable option to maintain balance.
Late-game substitutions, such as introducing Ekitike for Ibrahima Konate, appeared reactive rather than strategic, reflecting the difficulty Slot faces in resolving systemic problems.
Liverpool also missed out on securing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, whose addition could have bolstered the center-back position and offered competition for Konate. With the defense conceding 20 goals in 12 games compared with just eight in the same period last season, acquiring a defensive leader remains a priority. Guehi’s availability could be affected by other clubs’ interest or Liverpool’s willingness to wait until the summer transfer window.
