Image Credits: Imago Images
It goes without saying that this has been a poor start to the Reds’ title defence. The writing was on the wall from the start. In the first two games of the season, Arne Slot’s men conceded two goals each to Bournemouth and Newcastle, relying on goals in the 80th and 90th minutes to claim wins in both fixtures.
Although a few 1-0 victories against Arsenal and Burnley might have covered up underlying issues, Liverpool have now conceded in five Premier League fixtures in a row. If you include the cup and European games, that figure is now at nine. Considering last season’s success was built on a miserly defence, it is concerning that a defence marshalled by someone who is arguably the world’s best defender is giving away goals so easily.
Anfield made headlines earlier this summer with the signings of Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz for a combined figure of just under £300 million. However, the only defensive additions were fullbacks Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, alongside inexperienced Giovanni Leoni (a defender with fewer than 40 senior appearances), for nearly £100 million combined – which is hardly the defensive reinforcement needed. Would Marc Guehi have been the answer?
A missed opportunity for Crystal Palace’s most successful captain of all yime
The column inches in the summer were dominated by Liverpool spending, and ultimately, a lack of spending on one man. Marc Guehi was very clearly Slot’s top option as defensive reinforcement, and the former Chelsea man came extremely close to donning the famous red shirt. However, following an FA Cup win in 2024/25 and a penalty Community Shield win against the Reds to kick off the season, Palace were reluctant to let their main man go.
The absence of his calm and commanding presence in the back line was quite obvious for Liverpool. As much as Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best defenders – if not the best – in world football, he is also a man in his mid-30s. He’s slowing down and can’t carry the entire back line on his own like he once did when he refused to be dribbled around. He now needs someone else with real athleticism to step up to the plate.
The poor defensive form has seen Liverpool drop to third favourite in sports betting in Ireland, sitting behind Arsenal and Manchester City at 7/1. Guehi’s speed and reading of the game would surely have seen the Redmen hold on to their position as the clear favourites to win the whole thing again. Instead, they now sit behind sides like newly-promoted Sunderland in the table.
Is Liverpool’s defending really all that bad?
The short answer is yes. Liverpool’s defending has been poor, and they have conceded at least two goals on eight occasions in all competitions this season – but that only tells half the story. They are actually overperforming their expected goals against, which means they are conceding fewer goals than expected based on the chances they concede in the Premier League.
This means that either the opposition is fluffing their lines when through on goal or the goalkeepers are still performing despite regularly facing high-quality chances. It could very well be the latter, given both Alisson and Mamardashvili’s elite-level talents. It is extremely clear, then, that Crystal Palace’s captain is a need, not a want.
The South London side are 11th in the table for expected goals against, versus Liverpool’s 17th. It’s not even as if Palace have yet to face the top teams. They beat Liverpool at Selhurst Park and have already faced Chelsea, Villa, and Arsenal. Guehi would surely improve the Reds’ defence as he is helping lead a considerably cheaper side to impressive defensive stats.
A January return to the window for Arne Slot?
If the defensive woes continue into 2026, it would not be a surprise to see Liverpool return to Selhurst Park to recommence talks. The Londoner will be free to discuss contracts with non-English sides at that point, so the hierarchy might want to jump ahead of the queue.
If they do manage to bring Marc Guehi in, it could be the difference between finishing outside of the top four and maintaining some semblance of a title charge. If the Liverpool bosses are serious about creating a long-term dynasty, this is a must.
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