Liverpool’s shocking streak of four straight defeats (across all competitions) has sent shockwaves through Anfield. It’s the first time the Reds have suffered such a run since November 2014. The latest blow came on October 19, when Manchester United claimed a dramatic 2–1 win at Anfield via a late Harry Maguire header.
What makes this slide particularly frustrating is that Liverpool haven’t looked bereft of ideas. In that United game, they had 19 shots (many from open play), hit the woodwork thrice by Cody Gakpo, and constantly pressed for control in the second half — only to be undone by poor finishing, defensive lapses and fine margins.
Why things are going wrong
1. Prolific creation, poor execution
Liverpool’s attack has not been toothless — far from it. But in this run, chances have repeatedly slipped away. Gakpo’s triple woodwork firing, Isak’s scuffed finish when clean through, and Salah — perhaps the most conspicuous — missing a close-range opportunity are emblematic of the problem.
The boss, Arne Slot, has defended his attackers, pointing to a still-solid expected-goals tally (xG) and creative output. But creating chances is only half the battle; they must be taken.
2. Defensive fragility and lapses at key moments
Goals have crept in via sloppy crosses, set pieces, and moments of indecision. The defeat to United was sealed by a corner: Maguire leapt unchallenged. Virgil van Dijk himself admitted the second goal was “very sloppy” from their side. Meanwhile, the first goal came from a United break started despite a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister, a moment that has drawn criticism about awareness and control.
Slot also flagged that the team is giving too much freedom to crosses and being punished via long balls.
3. Leadership, form & morale cracks
The pressure is mounting. Slot’s decisions — sometimes stubborn, sometimes reactive — are being scrutinized. The fatigue of a title defense, combined with high expectations after a near-£446 million summer spending spree, doesn’t help.
Salah’s form is one clear worry. He’s now seven matches without a non-penalty goal, a drought unusual for a player of his pedigree. The bar was already high, and now the whispers will grow louder: he needs to rediscover his scoring touch if Liverpool’s slide is to be halted.
What must change — fast
- Clinical finishing: All the creativity in the world counts for little if chances go begging. The forwards must sharpen up, and composure in the final third must improve.
- Defensive consistency: Conceding via sloppy, avoidable errors won’t cut it. The back-line and midfield must reconvene on structure, communication, and set-piece discipline.
- Mental reset & squad buy-in: The psychological damage of four straight losses is worse than the points lost. Slot must reclaim belief, rally his leaders (van Dijk, Mac Allister, Salah) and get everyone pulling in the same direction.
- Tactical flexibility: When chasing games, Liverpool have exposed themselves. Adjustments in formation, substitutions, and game management will be crucial.
Still hope in the chaos
It’s easy to paint this stretch as disaster — and to an extent it is. But you can’t deny Liverpool are still generating chances, still pushing, still trying. The margin for error has shrunk, and now every slight mistake is punished. Yet the core is not broken.
Slot will have a chance to steady the ship in midweek when Liverpool travel to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. That match, and the coming weekends, will tell whether this is just a rough patch or the start of something darker.
For Salah, the message is clear: lift yourself. You’re still the symbol of this team’s attack — and your return to form might catalyze Liverpool’s own revival.
Losses happen. But four in a row? That’s rare at this club. The Reds must respond — and respond quickly.
