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<p>Liverpool 1-4 PSV</p>
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<img alt="Liverpool defensive stats exposed as Arne Slot's team concedes another four goals" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/arne-slot-fc-liverpool-2025-1764227560-183664.jpg" title="Liverpool defensive stats exposed as Arne Slot's team concedes another four goals"/>
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p>Arne Slot has certainly impressed in his inaugural season at Anfield. Despite concerns about replacing a club icon like Jürgen Klopp, the Dutch manager stepped in with no significant new additions and led Liverpool to their second Premier League title. Following that triumph, an exceptionally busy summer transfer window saw the champions shatter the Premier League transfer record twice, signing Florian Wirtz for €125 million and Alexander Isak for €145 million, with an overall expenditure of €483 million. This led many to view them as favorites to defend their title, yet the opening weeks of the new season have taken a surprising turn.</p>
<p>In a recent Champions League match, Liverpool faced a shocking 4-1 defeat to PSV at Anfield. They have now allowed three or more goals in three consecutive matches for the first time since September 1992. Moreover, the team has now lost three straight games by three or more goals, a first since December 1953. Slot's side has experienced nine losses in their last 12 matches across all competitions—a streak not seen since late 1953. Just six months after clinching the title, the situation at Anfield has turned dire, with some fans calling for the manager’s dismissal. The core issue lies in a dismal defensive performance. Let’s analyze some defensive statistics and explore the reasons behind this downward spiral.</p>
<h2>Liverpool's Defensive Statistics</h2>
<p>When comparing goals conceded among top-flight teams in Europe’s five major leagues (Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1), Liverpool's numbers paint a grim picture. Only two teams have conceded more goals than the Reds—Eintracht Frankfurt with 37 and Nice with 36. Liverpool has let in 34 goals in just 20 matches this season, which is more than relegation-threatened teams like Wolves (33), West Ham (28), and Nottingham Forest (28).</p>
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<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/goals-conceded-liverpool-1764235844-183680.png?lm=1764235851" width="503"/>
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<p>These statistics are shocking for a team expected to challenge for the title. Notably, in their last two outings—a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and the 4-1 loss to PSV—Liverpool conceded as many goals as Arsenal has throughout the entire season (19 matches). To make matters worse, all this took place at Anfield. Last season, Liverpool allowed just 55 goals in 56 games across all competitions, but they are on track to surpass that mark by Christmas this year. So, what has caused Liverpool's defense to falter so drastically?</p>
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<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/liverpool-v-arsenal-1764236638-183682.png?lm=1764236644" width="503"/>
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<h2>Why is Liverpool’s Defense Struggling?</h2>
<p>The sharp decline in form of their center-backs is a significant factor. Last season, club captain Virgil van Dijk was a dominant force, but this season, age seems to be catching up with the 34-year-old. His partner Ibrahima Konaté has also lost his touch. The Frenchman formed a solid partnership with van Dijk last season, but now, amidst contract speculations and links to Real Madrid, he appears to be error-prone and unfocused.</p>
<p>Additionally, the full-back positions have become problematic. Trent Alexander-Arnold, once key to Liverpool's attacking play, has struggled, diminishing the team's ability to control matches and inviting more chances for opponents. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong facing fitness issues, Slot has been forced to use Dominik Szoboszlai in an unfamiliar right-back role, resulting in an unbalanced setup. On the left, Milos Kerkez is still adapting, while Andy Robertson shows signs of aging. What were once strengths under Klopp have become vulnerabilities.</p>
<p>The midfield balance has also been disrupted since Wirtz's arrival, enabling opponents to penetrate Liverpool's midfield more easily. Furthermore, goalkeeper Alisson's recurring injuries have compounded the defense's woes, with his replacement, Giorgi Mamardashvili, lacking the same confidence and command. Collectively, numerous factors contribute to Liverpool's defensive decline, but addressing these issues will be crucial for Slot in turning the team's fortunes around.</p>
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