Liverpool looked woeful in their 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The Reds have not been themselves in the past two games, and once again, they showed a similarly poor performance as Moises Caicedo’s stunner and Estevao Willian’s late winner left fans frustrated.
Arne Slot was criticised for his decision-making during the game, with the Dutchman bringing on a mishmash of players to fill positions that were not natural to them.
But overall, it was a bad display from practically the start, and the Caicedo goal tipped the match in favour of the home side, who seemed to easily figure out Liverpool in the first half.
Again, it was the individual performances of players that really messed up any chance of the team getting a win, with Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, and more having criticisms pointed their way.
Steve Nicol tears into Arne Slot’s decision-making vs Chelsea
The performances, in essence, are just not good enough, and it is a wonder why there has been such a drop-off from last season, besides the fact that new players have joined the squad.
This noticeable decline in consistency and clear tactics has led to questions over Slot’s management, with many of his choices in this game, and others just to throw on as many attackers as possible.
Steve Nicol has been incredibly critical of Saturday’s display and for good reason, as he picked up on the 47-year-old’s decisions, which led to a showing that was a shadow of Liverpool’s self.
During an ESPN FC discussion, the Scotsman sympathised with Slot for much of the show because of his experience as a manager, but was not afraid to rip into him.
Nicol said: “This wasn’t some sort of tactical move because from the minute Endo came on to the last whistle, Liverpool were challenging forward like it was like a cavalry challenge. They’re just playing desperation football. They’re desperate. How can you turn an 11 into what Liverpool finished with?
“Two of your three midfielders are playing in the back line. You’ve taken your left back off. You’re stuck in a left back on who’s never going to be able to stick with Estevao or anybody else or Neto or anybody.
“I mean, it’s just this by the end of the game, it’s a shambles. You turn your midfield into your defence. You turn your defence into people going forward, your front three, including Mo Salah, who right now couldn’t hit a barn door if he was standing in front of it.”
Liverpool need to work out their defence first
It is difficult at this moment in time to see exactly how the Reds can find their consistent form, but there has to be some slight changes made.
One is that Slot needs to work out which starting XI he is most comfortable with. Clearly, not everyone in yesterday’s game should be starting together because they have struggled as a cohesive unit.
There has to be questions about the defence for starters. Bradley should most likely be the starting right back, but his performances have to improve quickly, or there is no choice but to play Jeremie Frimpong.
Konate has seemingly been injured, so now, even though it should have been earlier, a Joe Gomez start has to happen.
The Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson decision is also a difficult one, but all positions need to be sorted out to ensure there is at least stability and consistency in the next games.
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