There was a clue on offer last season.Â
Despite romping to the Premier League title, Liverpool were the first champions since Manchester United in 2013 to concede on average more than one goal per game on their way to the crown.
In fact, the Reds’ total of 41 in the against column was 10.1 higher than the average number of goals conceded by the last 10 title-winning teams.
The early weeks of the new campaign suggests the defence will be the Reds’ weak spot in 2025/26.Â
Crystal Palace scored either side of the break in the Community Shield to force penalties, which they ultimately won, in the glorified Wembley friendly.
Concerns about the defence were further realised in Bournemouth’s visit to Anfield for the new league season’s opening match when Antoine Semenyo struck twice in the second half.
It looked like the spoils would be shared in a 2-2 draw, a deeply-disappointing start to Liverpool’s title defence, but forgotten man Federico Chiesa stepped off the bench to fire the winner before Golden Boot hero Mohamed Salah sealed the three points in front of an elated Kop End.
Attacking might will bail Slot’s side out more often than not, as it did last term, but a leaky defence will almost certainly cause problems.
As part of a bold transfer strategy, Slot has opted to refresh his squad instead of asking the group to go again so there are some new faces at the back.
Jeremie Frimpong has replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Milos Kerkez is in at left-back as Andy Robertson’s successor.
One more could be thrown into the mix if Anfield chiefs score a deal for Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi.Â
The England international would arrive as an upgrade on Ibrahima Konate, who has been in shaky form since returning to training at the start of pre-season and could be leaving as a free agent next summer amid rumoured interest from Real Madrid.
Guehi would, arguably, make Liverpool a sturdier prospect in transitions and in possession, but one thing is for sure, the new defence will need time to gel.
Before fans hit the panic button, it’s worth remembering that rock-solid midfielder Ryan Gravenberch missed the Palace and Bournemouth fixtures.
The Dutchman was missed in those games as he can be relied upon to put out fires in the engine room and press the life out of opposition teams.
You can find bookmakers for UK football betting on FIRST and discover that Liverpool are the favourites to lift the Premier League trophy for the second year in a row, despite conceding four goals in two competitive games so far.
The title rivals are hardly perfect, either.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal look disjointed in attack and need big summer signing Viktor Gyokeres to catch fire after a hugely underwhelming debut against Manchester United.
Chelsea’s opening match also gave the impression of a side that could struggle to fashion chances against well-drilled teams.Â
Manchester City, meanwhile, have transformed their squad and Pep Guardiola has a number of players untested in the heat of a title race.
Liverpool’s early defensive issues represent a puzzle for Slot to solve, but Jurgen Klopp’s successor has shown he is capable of putting the pieces together after a superb first season in the dugout.Â
