Liverpool’s third defeat in a row by a margin of three goals brought more poor performances from the players and their manager.
Liverpool 1-4 PSV
Champions League | Anfield
November 26, 2025
Goals: Szoboszlai 16’; Perisic 6′ pen, Til 56′, Driouech 73′, 90+1’
Giorgi Marmadashvili – 4 (out of 10)
Went the wrong way for the penalty and couldn’t get anything on Guus Til’s shot for the second goal, but wasn’t really at fault for either.
Looked uncertain with his kicking at times, opting to hoof rather than play something more considered. Not surprising given some of the disorganisation in front of him, though.
Curtis Jones – 4
Moved to right-back, which allowed Szoboszlai to operate centrally.
It was the only switch in the outfield lineup from the team that started the defeat to Nottingham Forest, and it didn’t really change much in the end.
PSV regularly had a player free in this area down their left, even though they didn’t always manage to find them.
There was one ropey moment when he tried to play a ball across the box but presented it to a PSV player.
There’s a strong case to play a right-back at right-back on future games, rather than Jones or Szoboszlai.
Ibrahima Konate – 4
Was doing OK, much better than in recent matches, that was until his missed intervention led to PSV’s third.
Prior to that, he’d had less to deal with than in recent Premier League games, given PSV inexplicably decided to play out from the back more than going long.
The chants of “Ibou” were back, but temporarily, as his error was punished in the most clinical manner — a trait shared by most of Liverpool’s recent opponents.
Virgil van Dijk – 4
Argues with the referee after conceding a penalty in the opening five minutes, but didn’t have much of a case, given he inexplicably put his hand in the air.
Hits the bar with a header to almost make up for his earlier error, and looked a threat from set pieces. Perhaps even the biggest attacking threat in the time, which is worrying for Liverpool.
Milos Kerkez – 5
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez challenges PSV Eindhoven's Dennis Man (R) during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Made some good, strong challenges early on, and generally looked to be building the foundations for a good performance.
In the end, it wasn’t bad, but he couldn’t get in front of Guus Til to prevent the second goal. It felt like a positional error in an important moment.
But as is the case with a lot of Liverpool’s play recently, the issues go beyond the final, most noticeable error.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
Nowhere near the player who has at times looked like the all-round midfielder Liverpool needed in attack and defence.
Dropped back into centre-back in what is becoming a sign that Liverpool are about to get beat by even more goals.
Alexis Mac Allister – 4
Very good at times on the ball, and at other times pretty bad in defence, as he gets turned easily.
One of many players who look like they aren’t in the best position to get the most from their strengths, while not exposing their weaknesses.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai reacts to conceeding their side's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A nice composed finish for the goal following the rebound from Gakpo’s shot.
Plenty of running but, he might be asking, for what?
Mohamed Salah – 4
Seems to have more intent in attack in recent games, despite the poor results, but lacks the execution at times.
There are no longer the many clear chances, created either by himself or others for him, as there were last season, and even when Gakpo put one in his direction for a tap-in, he wasn’t there to do so.
Hugo Ekitike – 5
It always looks like something good, or at least entertaining, will happen when the ball arrives at his feet.
Didn’t quite get the space or time for a clear shot on goal, but was lively, creative, and confident on the ball, which can’t be said of many of Liverpool’s other attackers at this moment in time.
Went off injured an hour into the game, which could mean more regular starts for Isak from now on.
Cody Gakpo – 4
Remains direct, always looking to play a forward pass or take on his man, even when it doesn’t come off.
A lot of the time, it doesn’t come off, but it was his action that led to the goal while he also created one of the best chances Liverpool had shortly after.
His powerful shot was too much for Matej Kovar to handle on the PSV goal, and led to Szoboszlai’s finish.
Played a great low ball into the back post in the first half, which Salah should have been on the end of to score.
Overall Team Performance – 3
Substitutes
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté walks to the bench after being substituted during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexander Isak (on for Ekitike, 61′) – 5 – Had a powerful shot from outside the area parried wide by Kovar, and looked a bit more involved than against Forest, but still not up to speed.
It’s a difficult team to come into, though.
Federico Chiesa (on for Konate, 71′) – 5 – Was immediately involved, blasting a dangerous shot that was diverted behind for a corner.
Subs not used: Woodman, Misciur, Gomez, Endo, Robertson, Nyoni, Ngumoha.
Arne Slot – 3
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Selected the same team, bar the forced change in goal, as he did for the defeat to Forest, and got the same result.
Liverpool don’t just look disjointed they look utterly lost for ideas. It’s difficult to blame the players, and all of their ratings come with the caveat that they seem to be disadvantaged by the system in which they are playing.
Slot needs to find a way to return to something more basic, as there is little indication of what the current plan is, and the only thing that is clear is that it isn’t working.
Why do Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo even bother turning up?