Liverpool’s historic slump deepens after 4-1 PSV thrashing at Anfield

Liverpool's historic slump deepens after 4-1 PSV thrashing at Anfield

Liverpool suffered their worst run in 71 years on Wednesday, collapsing to a 4-1 home defeat against PSV Eindhoven-a result that extends their alarming slide to nine losses in 12 matches across all competitions. The setback marks the first time since December 1953 that the Reds have endured three consecutive defeats by three-goal margins, compounding a crisis that has seen them concede seven goals in five days at Anfield.

From title contenders to freefall

Just months after Arne Slot guided Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th league title in his debut season, the Dutch manager now faces mounting scrutiny. A stellar start-seven straight wins to open the campaign-has unraveled into a dismal stretch, with six losses in seven games before a brief November respite. Victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid offered fleeting hope, but back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest, followed by PSV's rout, have plunged the club into 13th place in the Premier League.

Midfielder Curtis Jones admitted the squad is at a loss.

"I don't have the answers, honestly. It's unacceptable. I'm past anger-I just don't have the words," he told RTÉ.

Tactical struggles and summer signings flop

Slot's summer recruits have failed to deliver. Record signing Alexander Isak has managed just one goal, while Florian Wirtz remains sidelined by injury and Milos Kerkez continues to struggle defensively. Against PSV, Slot made only two substitutions-Isak for the injured Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa for Ibrahima Konate-as his side crumbled. Dominik Szoboszlai, reinstated in midfield, provided Liverpool's lone goal and a rare bright spot, but former captain Steven Gerrard warned the team's vulnerabilities are glaring.

"With each defeat, it edges closer to a crisis," Gerrard told TNT Sports. "You can't excuse a performance like that. The team is wide open, confidence is shattered."

Slot, who has won just once in eight meetings against PSV (D3 L4), insisted he is focused on solutions rather than his job security.

"This run is a shock for everyone-players, myself. I don't shock easily, but this is unexpected. We all must improve," he said.

Off-field tragedy compounds on-pitch woes

Analysts point to deeper issues beyond tactics. The July death of forward Diogo Jota has cast a shadow over the season, while key players from last year's success have regressed. Former defender Stephen Warnock noted a "lack of fight" and questioned whether overconfidence or lingering grief has eroded the squad's resilience.

"There's a bigger picture here," Warnock told BBC Sport. "Last year's energy is gone. But it's a results-driven industry, and right now, Liverpool are losing heavily with no signs of improvement."

Champions League hopes fade as Premier League battle looms

Liverpool's Champions League campaign, once promising with three wins in four games, now hangs in the balance. Wednesday's loss leaves them a point adrift of the top eight, with daunting fixtures against Inter Milan and Marseille remaining. Domestically, Sunday's trip to West Ham offers little reprieve. Warnock urged a return to basics:

"Every player is struggling. Morale is rock-bottom, and there are no easy games left."

What's next

Slot must stabilize a side that has conceded 15 goals in their last five home matches-a stark contrast to Anfield's once-formidable reputation. With fans questioning his leadership and the squad's mental fragility exposed, the manager's ability to reverse the tide will define Liverpool's season. As Gerrard cautioned:

"Unless stability is found, this will only get worse."