Liverpool’s miserable run continued with a damaging 4-2 loss at Villa Park, where frustration among supporters was once again impossible to ignore. Just as happened during the defeat to Chelsea at Anfield a week earlier, many away fans headed for the exits before the final whistle after watching another lifeless display from Arne Slot’s side.
Dominik Szoboszlai, described as Liverpool’s player of the season, apologised to the travelling support after his costly mistake contributed to the defeat. With only one match left before the campaign ends, the club is desperate to close the curtain on a season that has unravelled badly in recent weeks.
Before kick-off, Slot pointed to the absence of nine players, though the Dutchman admitted the performance still fell short. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher summed up the side’s problems before the game, criticising both their work in possession and their defending. Despite Slot insisting only limited changes are needed during the summer, Liverpool currently look far from stable.
Their away form against the league’s strongest sides has been particularly alarming. Against the rest of the top nine, Liverpool have played eight matches away from home, losing seven and drawing one. Across all competitions, the defeat to Aston Villa marked their 19th loss of the season.
Defensive issues continue to haunt Slot’s side
Liverpool’s recent performances have followed a worrying pattern. Manchester United handed them opportunities at Old Trafford, yet they still lost. Chelsea arrived at Anfield on a six-match losing streak in the league and still managed to leave with a result. Aston Villa then exposed the same weaknesses once more on Friday night.
One of the few positives for Liverpool came from teenager Rio Ngumoha, who provided rare attacking energy throughout the evening. However, the burden could not rest on a 17-year-old, especially when more experienced players failed to impose themselves in key moments.
The numbers underline the scale of Liverpool’s defensive decline. They have now conceded 52 league goals this season, the first time they have allowed more than 50 in a 38-game Premier League campaign. Excluding penalties, they have also let in more goals from set pieces than any other side in the division, conceding 20.
Slot acknowledged the shortcomings after the match, admitting his team fell apart once Villa moved ahead. He also pointed out that Liverpool’s struggles are not only at the back, saying the side has failed to score enough goals as well. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins echoed those concerns, explaining that Liverpool’s defensive structure left large spaces to attack during the second half.
Champions League hopes still under threat
Liverpool’s poor form has reopened the battle for the final Champions League qualification place. With only one point collected from their past three matches, Bournemouth and Brighton still have an opportunity to overtake them before the season ends.
Brighton sit six points behind Liverpool and level on goal difference ahead of their trip to Leeds, while Bournemouth trail by four points before facing Manchester City. A victory for either club would ensure the race continues into the final weekend of the campaign.
Should both Bournemouth and Brighton win their upcoming fixtures, Liverpool would enter the final day only one point ahead of Bournemouth and three clear of Brighton. However, defeats for both challengers would guarantee Liverpool’s place in next season’s Champions League before they face Brentford at Anfield.
That final home match could also become an emotional occasion, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson preparing to say goodbye. Yet instead of celebrating comfortably, Liverpool heads into the closing week under growing pressure and with serious doubts surrounding the direction of the team.
Former midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes Slot still deserves time after winning the Premier League title the previous year, though he admitted supporters are beginning to question whether the manager is the right choice moving forward. According to Redknapp, Liverpool fans have traditionally shown patience with managers, but disappointment over the current campaign is becoming increasingly visible.