In August 2025, Liverpool appeared poised to continue their dominance in the English Premier League. Rivals were bracing themselves, expecting the Reds to replicate their previous season’s success with relative ease.
Fresh off a commanding title-winning campaign in 2024-25, Liverpool made headlines during the summer transfer window, splashing out on some of Europe’s top talents to strengthen their squad. The early signs looked promising: after a 2-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside Derby on September 20, the Reds topped the league table with 15 points from five consecutive wins.
Yet, just two months later, the scenario shifted dramatically. Liverpool found themselves languishing in eighth place with only 18 points, suffering five defeats in their last six matches. The sudden downturn triggered waves of criticism, as few could have anticipated such a steep decline after an initially near-perfect start.
The Emotional Toll of Diogo Jota’s Passing
Amid tactical discussions and match analysis, one factor often overlooked is the profound emotional impact stemming from the untimely death of Diogo Jota in early July. Losing a teammate of Jota’s caliber was more than just a blow on the pitch; it was a deep personal loss for the squad.
Andy Robertson, speaking after guiding Scotland to World Cup qualification, admitted that thoughts of Jota weighed heavily on him during matches. The pair had shared countless conversations about international football and personal ambitions, illustrating the depth of the bond within Liverpool’s dressing room.
For a team competing at the highest level, even minor mental distractions can tip the scales. The void left by Jota has affected Liverpool’s focus, confidence, and composure in crucial moments. His absence isn’t just tactical; it is psychological.
Grueling Schedule and Consecutive Defeats
The 0-3 home defeat to Manchester City prior to the international break was a stark indicator of Liverpool’s struggles. While a victory over Aston Villa and a Champions League win against Real Madrid had preceded it, the City loss highlighted persistent vulnerabilities.
Part of the challenge lies in the demanding fixture schedule. Liverpool have faced seven of the current top-ten Premier League teams in just 11 matches. Despite their dominance in possession, controlling around 60.7% of the ball on average—the highest in the league—they struggled to break down compact defensive blocks, which accounted for 78% of their minutes played.
Tactical Questions and the Midfield Conundrum
Manager Arne Slot faces intense scrutiny for his tactical decisions, particularly concerning his midfield setup. The trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai were lauded last season, yet they were starters in four of Liverpool’s five league defeats this term.
Opposition teams have exploited gaps through direct balls and counterattacks, while Liverpool retain ball dominance but often fail to convert possession into meaningful attacking opportunities.
Florian Wirtz was brought in to address precisely this issue—breaking down low blocks and adding creativity from midfield. However, the German playmaker has yet to replicate his Champions League performances in the Premier League. His £100 million valuation, potentially rising to £116 million, has intensified the pressure on him to deliver.
Finishing Issues and Forward Line Struggles
Liverpool’s frontline has struggled to maintain last season’s efficiency. Alexander Isak, a high-profile recruit, is still adjusting tactically and physically, leaving gaps in goal conversion rates. Last season with Newcastle, Isak had a non-penalty shot conversion rate of 26.4%, compared to Liverpool’s current 15.3%. If he regains fitness and sharpness, he could significantly boost attacking efficiency alongside Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike has been a rare bright spot, leading Liverpool with six goals across all competitions. He has shown compatibility with other forwards, exemplified in the 5-1 European victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. On the international stage, he scored a stunning goal for France against Ukraine, combining effectively with Kylian Mbappe.
Yet, collectively, Liverpool’s attack is below last season’s standards. Their Premier League goal average has fallen from 2.3 to 1.6 per game, while the conversion of big chances has dropped from 38.7% to 27.3%, wasting critical opportunities.
Defensive Instability and Early Concession Issues
Defensively, Liverpool are equally concerning. They have conceded 17 goals and rank poorly in allowing shots on target compared to last season. Only Burnley and West Ham have given more “big chances” to opponents.
Another worrying pattern is falling behind early: in eight of their last ten matches, Liverpool have conceded the opening goal and struggled to recover, never winning when trailing. They now lead for only 24.1% of match time, a stark drop from 45.6% last season, frequently playing from behind.
Path to Recovery: Lighter Fixtures and Tactical Adjustments
Despite these challenges, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Historically, Liverpool have improved after the first 11 games of the season. The upcoming schedule offers a chance to regain momentum, starting with a home match against bottom-side Nottingham Forest. Only Sunderland among the next five opponents is in the top tier, providing an opportunity for point accumulation and rebuilding confidence.
Tactically, Slot must balance possession dominance with defensive solidity. With Wirtz, Isak, and Ekitike available, the forward options are strong, but the team’s mental resilience and response to pressure will be crucial. Public scrutiny, the emotional toll of losing Jota, and the intensity of the Premier League demand calm and composure under fire.
If Liverpool can restore individual and collective quality, they can alter the narrative of their 2025/26 campaign. The time to act is now—before the slump deepens and season objectives slip further away.
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