Liverpool reached a new low this season after a humbling FA Cup exit at Manchester City this weekend.
Arne Slot’s side were thrashed 4-0 at the Etihad on Saturday, with Erling Haaland hitting a hat-trick for the rampant hosts. It was a 15th defeat of the season in all competitions for the Premier League champions, who have looked a shadow of last season’s team.
Dominik Szoboszlai aside, few in the Liverpool squad have got close to last season’s level. Mohamed Salah’s decline has been well-documented and the Egyptian missed from the penalty spot during the defeat at City, while Virgil van Dijk was culpable for the home side’s opener. The Dutch defender clumsily brought down Nico O’Reilly in the box, allowing Haaland the opportunity to break the deadlock.
Van Dijk has now conceded four penalties this season in 46 appearances for Liverpool. Incredibly, that’s as many as the Liverpool captain conceded in his first eight years with the club, across 319 appearances.
Liverpool’s season, in terms of silverware, now rests on the Champions League. Few will be inspired by recent performances ahead of a huge showdown with holders Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
