High-Price Promises, Low Returns: Liverpool’s Slide Under Slot
27 October 2025
Liverpool's Slide Deepens After Brentford Defeat
Liverpool, under Dutch coach Arne Slot, slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Brentford on Saturday, extending a four-match winless run and leaving them seven points off the pace in the title race behind Arsenal.
Despite splashing heavy sums in the summer transfer window, the Reds have looked inconsistent, with performances not matching the reported value of players signed across several positions.
New arrivals such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have struggled to settle, and even Mohamed Salah—once the pillar of the team—has seen his form dip in the early part of the season.
Last season Liverpool conjured a strong title charge under Jurgen Klopp, aided by Salah's historic output; this season the mood has shifted as the squad adapts to major changes.
The club still aims to regain momentum at Anfield and stay in the hunt, with a home clash against Aston Villa looming as a test of whether the transfer spree can translate into on-pitch success.
In the match, Brentford used a direct style with physicality, long balls, and set-pieces, testing Liverpool’s defense and forcing goalkeeper Mamardashvili into several crucial saves. The hosts also benefitted from some contentious calls and moments that swung momentum, though the outcome reflected Liverpool’s need for a more cohesive display rather than a single refereeing decision.
Slot's post-match remarks were pragmatic; he insisted he wasn’t making excuses but offered context, noting that five of their last six games had been away from home—an angle that has been debated by pundits and supporters alike.
The Athletic highlighted that while away form isn’t an outright excuse, it contributes to the current dip in performance. Salah’s dip, alongside the absence of Luis Diaz due to injuries, has further strained a squad undergoing a contentious transition.
Slot also pointed to issues in the setup and the finishing, addressing missed chances and a controversial second-half penalty decision. He argued that some calls and momentum shifts affected their rhythm, while avoiding scapegoating individuals.
Overall, the mood around Anfield is one of concern as Liverpool seek balance between a revamped squad and continuing pressure to deliver results. While some new players have shown promise, others have struggled for consistency, with Diaz’s injury absence and Salah’s form highlighted as key factors.
Looking ahead, Liverpool hope to reset quickly against Aston Villa, aiming to climb back into contention for the top four and to demonstrate that the spending spree can yield long-term value.
Brentford's tactical approach—direct play, physicality, and smart use of wide spaces—caused problems for Liverpool, who found it hard to impose their rhythm. The Brentford goalkeeper Mamardashvili produced important stops on multiple occasions, while Liverpool’s defense occasionally exposed its vulnerabilities under pressure.
Slot emphasized that the problems run deeper than a few tactical missteps, noting that the squad’s current form is a reflection of a wider adjustment period following significant changes this summer. He also suggested that the long-planned reorganization will require time to bear fruit, even as the results must improve in the short term.
In summary, Liverpool’s season is at a crossroads: the transfer spending promised improvement, but the on-pitch reality has been mixed, with ongoing questions about how quickly the new acquisitions will gel and how the squad will handle frequent high-intensity fixtures.
Punchline 1: If goals paid rent, Liverpool would own Anfield by now—and the landlord would be asking for a maintenance fee every time a shot cannonballs off the post.
Punchline 2: They spent a fortune on new players, but the real upgrade might just be a firmware update for the squad’s chemistry—because right now, the software is lagging behind the hardware.
