Liverpool Stumble Again at Anfield as Pressure Rises
Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with newly promoted Sunderland added fresh weight to the growing concerns around Arne Slot’s troubled title defence. The Dutchman arrived with enormous credit after lifting the Premier League trophy in his first season, however the regression since has been stark. With only four wins in their last 14 games across all competitions and an eighth place standing, this latest setback at Anfield felt less like a freak result and more like a continuation of a worrying pattern.
David Lynch captured the mood succinctly. His numbers told a story that cut deeper than the scoreline suggested, offering context on why this slide has been so difficult to arrest.
Numbers Illustrate Liverpool’s Decline
Lynch addressed the idea that Liverpool might feel unfortunate given their volume of attempts. He said: “Some might suggest that Liverpool were a touch unlucky with this one. 23-9 on shots, 1.46xg for Liverpool and 0.42xg for Sunderland and of course Sunderland’s goal was a huge deflection off Van Dijk.”
Yet his follow-up was revealing and spoke directly to the heart of Liverpool’s problems. “However, a little deeper dig into the numbers suggest that they weren’t unlucky at all. Sunderland had six shots on target, whilst Liverpool had just four.”
This has been an ongoing theme under Slot in recent months. Liverpool are peppering the goal without generating any real incision, while opponents create fewer chances but find them clearer and more dangerous. Lynch put it plainly. “That has been a theme this season. When the opposition gets chances, they are big ones but Liverpool are just taking pot shots from everywhere.”
There was no attempt to soften the assessment. “The reality is that Liverpool haven’t been at their creative best for some time now.”
Defensive Shape and Fragile Confidence
Lynch did offer one minor encouragement. “One slight positive is that Liverpool are defending slightly better apart from that Wilson Isidor chance at the end.”
There were moments where Liverpool kept Sunderland at arm’s length, but those small positives were quickly swallowed by the broader truth. “They limited Sunderland’s chances quite well, but I might be clutching at straws trying to find positives after that.”
Lynch summarised the mood ahead of the upcoming Leeds United fixture. “The reality is that Liverpool aren’t playing well and you’re not going into the Leeds United game with any confidence.”
That is perhaps the most worrying element of all. Slot’s side look stuck, mechanically and mentally, with the energy that fuelled last season’s title triumph replaced by anxiety and disjointed play.
Narrow Margins Still Offer Hope
Even amid his criticisms, Lynch highlighted the one lifeline that remains. “To try and end on a positive, Liverpool are somehow only two points off the top four.”
That proximity offers a route back to stability if Liverpool can rediscover their lost rhythm. “For Liverpool, that is the sole aim for the rest of the season and to try and collect some rhythm that you can take into next season.”
The league table remains congested. “It does feel like the sides from 12th to 3rd are quite evenly matched.”
A small run could transform their fortunes but Lynch’s caution rang loudly. “If Liverpool can go on a small run of winning games, literally just three or four, then they will firmly be in the top four.”
His final line spoke for supporters everywhere. “They’ve just got to get on that run, but I’m not too convinced that it’s coming.”
