Liverpool have been a shadow of the side that dominated the Premier League last season during Arne Slot’s second campaign captaining the ship.
The Reds strolled to Premier League glory in the Dutch manager’s debut term, clinching the trophy in late April and finishing the season ten points ahead of nearest challengers Arsenal. Jürgen Klopp’s departure set alarm bells ringing, but Slot’s swift success allayed fears on Merseyside.
However, Slot’s second season struggles have made for grim viewing. Liverpool went against their traditional transfer policy over the summer as they shelled out on superstars and racked up a record Premier League bill of just under £450 million, but it’s moved them further from their all-conquering ambitions.
Liverpool’s dismal defeat at Manchester City before the international break was indicative of a season-long malaise, with good fortune rather than skill favouring them early in the term. The Reds find themselves eight points behind league leaders Arsenal with few signs of imminent improvements.
The Reds have struggled with the intensity and directness of their opposition throughout the campaign, operating with a fraction of the vigour for which they have become renowned in recent years. One damning statistic sums up their fall from grace.
