It was Match Day 5 of the UEFA Champions League season 2025-26. PSV Eindhoven from Netherlands were hosted by Liverpool at Anfield last night.
The weekend gone by was bitter for Liverpool as they were thrashed 0-3 at Anfield, their home, by an already struggling Nottingham Forest. The fans had taken a bad hit, but were expecting the defending EPL Champions to bounce back with great ferocity against the visiting Dutch side. However, the expectations fell flat as Liverpool went down to PSV in a terrible performance at home, casting serious aspersions on Arne Slot’s future with the club.
Virgil van Dijk gave away a penalty with an embarrassing handball. It was surprising to see a player of his stature get into such a tangle. Ivan Perisic, the veteran Croat, took a brilliant penalty to put PSV ahead in the 6th minute of the game.
Liverpool responded almost immediately, with Szoboszlai scoring from a rebound to get Liverpool on an even keel, and it remained 1-1 at halftime. Liverpool had the possession but the Reds could not do much with it.
Guus Til scored for PSV in the second half after a fine, quick move from PSV. The defence of Liverpool was opened up with ease. To be fair, van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were utterly disappointing. Konate’s weak play contributed to the third goal as Couhaib Driouech, the young Moroccan, scored in the 72nd minute to make it 3-1 for PSV. Driouech scored again in stoppage time to make it 4-1 as the hapless Reds looked in dismay. The Liverpool defence had completely come off the rails.
Mo Salah, on whose shoulders a lot is resting, was once again a pale shadow of what he can be. He has neither scored this season nor has many assists to his name. New signings in Ekitike and Alexander Isak have been poor to say the least. Florian Wirtz and Kerkez have also been below average. The midfield, which used to be Liverpool’s power engine, is virtually tottering. Gravenberch and Mac Allister have been way below their best, while Szoboszlai, who excelled in the midfield last year, is yet to find a permanent position for himself as he keeps shunting between midfield and defence.
There is a complete breakdown in confidence. The string of defeats has dealt a serious blow to the psyche of the players. Arne Slot found it difficult to explain in the presser as questions were raised on his future with the club.
In my opinion, Arne Slot will surely get a run this season, and the Liverpool management will get behind him so that the prevailing situation can be resurrected. The team is looking out of sorts and not gelling the way it should. The rhythm, which was so good last year, has gone completely awry.
A bit of a tweak may be required just to check whether the team holds well with the changes. Federico Chiesa needs to play the full 90 minutes in midfield alongside Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. Ibrahima Konaté needs a rest. The young and quick Ngumoha may be given some more time on the field with Ekitike injured.
Liverpool need to string a couple of victories together to build some confidence. The Champions travel to London to play West Ham in a crucial EPL fixture this Sunday. A good win is what the Reds need.
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