Liverpool’s boss Arne Slot has confessed that his first serious misgivings about his team came during their match at Brentford, where the Reds struck the woodwork many times and failed to break down a stubborn defense. Despite dominating territory and peppering goal attempts, it was only in injury time that Darwin Núñez delivered a pair of decisive goals. That scenario — one of plenty of chances but little clinical edge — was a red flag for Slot.
He now points to Liverpool’s recurring problem against deep-lying defenses: they often fail to transform possession and attacking dominance into clear, decisive goals. Slot observes that many opposing teams have adapted by defending more pragmatically, making it tougher for the champions to penetrate. Earlier in the season, Liverpool would rely on set-pieces to unlock those entrenched defenses; now, he admits, that weapon is not working as well.
His key concern is simple but stark: Liverpool are no longer as efficient in front of goal, and they’re struggling to dismantle compact defenses. In Slot’s view, those two weaknesses are where Liverpool must improve — fast — if they are to avoid a slide from their lofty perch.