Liverpool’s title defense is falling apart faster than a counterattack gone wrong. Four straight Premier League defeats have sent Arne Slot’s men tumbling to seventh, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
What once looked like a minor blip has become a worrying trend — and the Dutchman admits he’s struggling to plug the leaks.
Slot has revealed that opponents have found Liverpool’s soft spot — the long ball and set-piece strategy.
“I’ve looked at how many long balls we already had to defend – 178 in seven games and then United came and we had to defend 59,” Slot said. “Too many duels were lost, too many second balls weren’t won.”
That’s a painful stat for a team once famous for its pressing and control. Liverpool have reportedly faced a league-high 571 long balls this season — almost 100 more than Arsenal.
🚨 Arne Slot has noticed more teams have begun to lean more on long balls and set pieces when playing against them.
That is the ‘certain style’ teams use against Liverpool he has repeatedly spoken about.
He’s also mentioned that it is a very good strategy and that they haven’t… pic.twitter.com/TDzelj82UW
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 29, 2025
It’s no surprise, then, that rivals are happily launching it long and watching chaos unfold in the Reds’ backline.
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Brentford were the latest to expose this flaw, scoring twice from long deliveries in their 3-2 win.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate looked uncomfortable as they chased balls flying over their heads. Slot himself admitted Liverpool “haven’t found that answer yet,” and that’s the part worrying fans most.
Once masters of the high press, Liverpool now look oddly passive. The midfield, full of creative flair but light on physicality, keeps getting overrun.
Without Ryan Gravenberch, the Reds have lacked bite, and even the tireless Dominik Szoboszlai can’t cover every blade of grass.
To make matters worse, Liverpool have conceded first in six straight matches — usually within the first 15 minutes. For a club that once prided itself on fast starts, that’s a troubling reversal.
Set-pieces, slow starts, and sleepless nights
Slot’s team has also conceded seven goals from set pieces this season — only Nottingham Forest and West Ham have done worse.
And while their attack still creates chances, the defensive disarray has become a recurring nightmare.
As Liverpool prepare for Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, Slot knows the margin for error is shrinking fast.
He’s promised improvement — but unless his defense stops treating long balls like live grenades, the Reds’ title defense may already be beyond saving.
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