Liverpool Collapse Against PSV Raises Tough Questions
Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield has deepened the sense of drift around the club and sharpened scrutiny on a team that once looked unshakeable under Arne Slot. A ninth loss in twelve matches in all competitions is not an anomaly anymore, it is a pattern, and PSV exposed every weakness with clinical precision. Goals from Ivan Perisic, Guus Til and a Couhaib Driouech brace silenced the home crowd and left the manager facing uncomfortable conversations about form, direction and personnel.
Lineup Choices Under Pressure
Slot kept faith with familiar faces despite recent setbacks. Dominik Szoboszlai lined up at right back, Curtis Jones returned to midfield and the front line featured Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo. On paper it was a group capable of restoring order in front of anxious supporters. On the pitch it was anything but. Liverpool fell behind early, briefly levelled, then unravelled again as PSV pressed their advantage with confidence and clarity.
The question for supporters is straightforward. Why has a team that swept to the Premier League title last season now lost its spark and structure? Fatigue, injuries and confidence have all played their part, but so have individual lapses and an alarming drop off from senior figures.
Key Players Struggling For Form
Mohamed Salah’s influence once defined Liverpool’s attacking dynamism. Against PSV he delivered another subdued performance. As the article noted, he turned in a “shocker of a performance” and “once again failed to register a goal or assist when the team were in a time of need”. His return of one shot all game reflects a wider issue. “He didn’t help the team score a goal” and now sits at “three games without a goal contribution and just two goals in his last ten games”. For a player of his stature, that is a startling downturn.
Cody Gakpo remains a divisive figure among supporters and PSV’s visit did little to ease the tension. He did tee up Szoboszlai’s equaliser, his effort saved before the rebound was tapped in, but the overall display was troubling. According to Sofascore he “lost possession 21 times”, “completed just 3 of 9 crosses” and “missed one big chance”. For a player with technical quality and physical strength, the inconsistency has become a heavy talking point.
Defensive Errors Undermine Foundations
There has been much discussion about Ibrahima Konate’s form this season and his part in conceding PSV’s third goal, but the bigger shock came from the usually dependable Virgil van Dijk. The captain endured one of his most uncomfortable matches at Anfield. He conceded a penalty for the third time this season, the handball described as resembling a “slam dunk”. His general play also faltered and questions now swirl about what Joe Gomez must do to earn a place in the starting lineup.
When Liverpool’s senior leaders wobble, the entire structure shakes. That much was evident again as the back line failed to cope with PSV’s movement, pace and intelligence.
Rising Fan Frustration
Defeat brought more than disappointment, it brought anger. Supporters voiced concerns in stark terms. One said he was “sick and tired of watching Salah and Gakpo” and labelled their display “awful”. Another claimed Liverpool were effectively playing with “nine men” because of the pair. Calls have increased for changes, with Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha and Florian Wirtz all waiting for opportunities.
Van Dijk and Salah hold legendary status at the club, which historically makes them near untouchable. Yet with Slot fighting to steer Liverpool back toward stability, even the biggest decisions may soon be unavoidable. PSV have forced the conversation. Now Liverpool must respond.
