Slot Displays No Progress in Addressing Liverpool's Downturn
Liverpools most recent disappointing draw, ending 3-3 against bottom-table Leeds on Saturday, has highlighted manager Arne Slots struggle to rally a team that claimed the Premier League crown only a few months back.
Letting slip leads of 2-0 and 3-2 at Elland Road has resulted in the Reds securing just two victories from their previous 10 league matches, dropping them to eighth place and dashing title defence dreams long before the holiday season.
The £450 million ($600 million) investment during the summer transfer period aimed to usher in a fresh period of supremacy at Anfield.
However, Slots lineup has suffered from instability due to extensive summer alterations and the profound effect of forward Diogo Jotas heartbreaking death in a car crash back in July.
More than £200 million went towards acquiring Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, yet they have managed only a single Premier League goal combined thus far, while defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have not matched the exceptional displays of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold from prior campaigns.
Curiously, the key acquisition that Liverpool could not finalise might prove to be the seasons most crucial missed opportunity.
England defender Marc Guehi seemed destined for Anfield from Crystal Palace right up to deadline day, before the agreement fell through.
While Guehi has excelled for his team and national side this year, Ibrahima Konates poor performances have played a key role in Liverpools fall from grace.
Hugo Ekitike, the sole newcomer to fulfil expectations so far, had positioned Slots team strongly with two rapid goals early in the second half.
Nevertheless, Konate handed Leeds a lifeline through a reckless challenge on Willy Gnonto as the ball rolled towards the touchline, resulting in a penalty.
Almost immediately, Liverpools solid advantage evaporated, as an energised Leeds crowd spurred their side to capitalise and level the score via Anton Stach.
Konates choice leading to the spot-kick was simply astonishing, commented ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Critical Mistakes on the Pitch
Liverpool were in full control, the match flowed smoothly, yet he chose to dash out and make one of the most ill-advised moves that revived Leeds chances.
Slots choices have been hampered further by a severe knee problem for Italian defender Giovanni Leoni during his first appearance in September.
Still, his persistence in selecting Konate amid ongoing costly blunders is drawing increasing criticism towards the Dutch coach.
On the attacking side, Slot has made bold adjustments.
The challenges faced by fresh signings adapting to Anfields intensity have worsened with dips in performance from Liverpools stalwarts of the last ten years, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
Each penned generous two-year extensions at seasons end, following their contributions to a 20th English top-division championship.
Yet, for the third match running, Salah remained an unused substitute on the bench.
Post next weekends home fixture versus Brighton, the forward heads off for potentially a month with the Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot justified avoiding Salah, explaining the team needed to safeguard a lead rather than pursue one late on.
The ex-Feyenoord head coach must now devise a way out of the teams rut without Salah over the upcoming fixtures.
Uncertainty now surrounds the Liverpools managers prospects and the clubs third all-time leading scorer as they approach 2026.