With the Premier League still yet to be decided, Liverpool still need to win four games to claim the title after only a second league defeat against Fulham yesterday.
Arne Slot’s men simply weren’t at the races, unable to produce the performance that they have done so many times over the last couple of months, which has led them to the summit of the division.
The Reds will be hoping to make amends against West Ham United next week, aiming to close in on a first league title since Jürgen Klopp’s triumph back in 2019/20
Despite the heights achieved during the Dutchman’s first year at the helm, the showing against the Cottagers was one of the worst of the campaign with countless players way off the pace.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see various players dropped from the starting eleven, with changes needed to prevent such a defeat from occurring in the near future
Liverpool’s poor performers against Fulham
Curtis Jones has been forced to operate at right-back in recent weeks after the injuries suffered by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley – doing an admirable job against local rivals Everton.
However, the same can’t be said for his showing in the capital yesterday, contributing to an error that led to a goal, whilst also failing to win any of the two tackles he entered
He wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with Dominik Szoboszlai producing one of his worst displays in recent memories, uncharacteristically so given his rise under Slot.
The Hungarian failed to create a single chance for any of his teammates, whilst also losing 100% of the ground duels he contested, ultimately being a passenger during the
Despite the showings from the aforementioned players, one other star failed to deliver, with the manager needing to offload him when the summer transfer window opens.
The Liverpool player who’s become the new Fabinho
Brazilian midfielder Fabinho was a fan-favourite during his time at Anfield, starring in the heart of the side and making over 200 appearances during his five years as a Red.
However, his last season on Merseyside was one to forget, falling way below the expectations he’d set for himself given the heights he achieved after helping Klopp’s side win the league title.
He would leave in a £40m deal to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, with one player potentially suffering the same fate in the form of left-back Andy Robertson.
The Scottish international will go down as one of the biggest bargains in the club’s history, making over 300 appearances and notching 66 assists after joining for just £8m back in 2017.
Whilst he’s achieved some impressive performances over the years, he’s rapidly declined in recent months, with the club targeting Milos Kerkez as a replacement this summer
The 31-year-old once again failed to impress against Fulham, also making an error leading to a goal before being replaced with just eight minutes remaining.
He also failed to complete any of his attempted crosses, coming out on top in just 50% of his tackles and being dribbled past once in the process
Robertson also lost possession 10 times during the defeat and was unable to produce the goods as he did during his early days as a player on Merseyside.
As a result of his showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by The Express’ Jack McEachen, with fellow journalist Lewis Steele labelling his showing as “awful”
Given his age, it’s likely that he’s going to continue declining over the next couple of years, with Slot needing to offload him this summer to allow for fresh blood in the backline.
He’s been an incredible servant to the club, helping them win countless major honours, but ultimately his showing against the Cottagers was further evidence that he’s unable to cut it at the top level.