Liverpool were humiliated 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on Wednesday in the Champions League, with Arne Slot's job firmly on the line.
PSV had the perfect start at Anfield, with Virgil van Dijk's needless handball leading to a penalty for the visitors that Ivan Perisic converted in the sixth minute.
However, Liverpool's player of the season Dominik Szoboszlai equalised from close range shortly after the 15th-minute mark after pouncing on Matej Kovar's save.
The Reds found themselves behind once again when Mauro Junior delivered an excellent cross to goalscorer Guus Til just over 10 minutes after the break.
Couhaib Driouech scored his team's third of the night after a horrendous error from Ibrahima Konate, but there was still time for Driouech to grab his second of the game in stoppage time.
The win leaves PSV in 14th place with eight points, whereas Liverpool are in 12th place with nine points, one point and four places from the top eight.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago / ANP
Van Dijk managed to shine earlier in the campaign in spite of the team's problems, but the 34-year-old was uncharacteristically erratic.
The centre-back has at times been harshly judged for the faults of others, especially as he has shown that can still play at an elite standard, but his issues are symptomatic of a wider problem of confidence.
Arne Slot's side have been so vulnerable that even Van Dijk felt unsure in his penalty area, and that is a damning indictment of the manager that even his captain has felt unsure of himself.
The Champions League may be the club's only salvation this season, and if they can address their weaknesses in January, their star quality could push them far in the competition, but they first must ensure that they advance out of the league phase.
PSV did not use the same direct strategy that Premier League sides had deployed against the Merseysiders, but they instead found success by playing through their hosts' weak press.
The Dutch visitors were deserving victors, and they may feel that the scoreline flattered Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL VS. PSV EINDHOVEN HIGHLIGHTS
Ivan Perisic goal vs. Liverpool (6th min, Liverpool 0-1 PSV Eindhoven)
Ivan Perišić converts from the penalty spot to give PSV the lead against Liverpool@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/kRliATPuUu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2025
Virgil van Dijk recklessly dangles his arm in the air in the box and tries to claim a foul as the ball strikes him, but the Dutchman is penalised, before Ivan Perisic converts.
What was he thinking?
Dominik Szoboszlai goal vs. PSV Eindhoven (16th min, Liverpool 1-1 PSV Eindhoven)
Szoboszlai in the right place to level the match for Liverpool at Anfield ⚽️@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/xRPOVuhgk8
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2025
Cody Gakpo cuts inside on the left flank and manages to force goalkeeper Matej Kovar into making a save, but the shot-stopper's parry lands at the feet of Dominik Szoboszlai, who taps home into an empty net.
A quick response!
Guus Til goal vs. Liverpool (56th min, Liverpool 1-2 PSV Eindhoven)
PSV go ahead once again through Til at Anfield ?@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/gAjlA1Zgme
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2025
Mauro Junior has acres of space on the left flank to pick out Guus Til in the penalty area, and the midfielder finishes first time down the centre of the goal after Milos Kerkez plays him onside.
PSV lead again!
61st min: Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) injury
© Imago / Propaganda Photo
Hugo Ekitike challenges for the ball on the left, but he cannot continue due to an apparent injury, and Liverpool bring on Alexander Isak in his place.
A blow for Arne Slot.
Couhaib Driouech goal vs. Liverpool (73rd min, Liverpool 1-3 PSV Eindhoven)
Driouech makes it 3-1 as PSV take control at Anfield ⚽@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/01Wb3mpaEH
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2025
Ibrahima Konate attempts to control possession but he steps over the ball and allows Ricardo Pepi to race through on goal, and his strike hits the post before rebounding into the path of Couhaib Driouech, who calmly coverts into the right of the net.
Another error by Konate!
Couhaib Driouech goal vs. Liverpool (90+1st min, Liverpool 1-4 PSV Eindhoven)
Driouech at the double for PSV to get their fourth of the night against Liverpool ?@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/NODaQu2ylI
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2025
Sergino Dest counters down the right and cuts back a ball to the edge of the penalty area for Driouech, who finishes into the bottom-right corner.
Another Anfield defeat!
© Imago / Goal Sports Images
PSV midfielder Joey Veerman found it remarkably easy to exploit Liverpool's uncoordinated press, with the Dutchman making the most passes into the final third (eight) amongst his teammates.
Veerman also completed the most passes of any PSV player (38) and made six clearances.
LIVERPOOL VS. PSV EINDHOVEN MATCH STATS
Possession: Liverpool 63%-37% PSV Eindhoven
Shots: Liverpool 27-9 PSV Eindhoven
Shots on target: Liverpool 9-6 PSV Eindhoven
Corners: Liverpool 11-4 PSV Eindhoven
Fouls: Liverpool 9-9 PSV Eindhoven
BEST STATS
Virgil van Dijk (3) has conceded more penalties than any other Premier League player across all competitions this season ? pic.twitter.com/tRU7U21OXS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2025
3 - Liverpool have conceded 3+ goals in three consecutive games in all competitions for the first time since September 1992. Porous. pic.twitter.com/WkHecvZ7qO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Liverpool will travel to London on Sunday to take on West Ham United in the Premier League, before they then play Sunderland at Anfield three days later.
PSV return to Eredivisie action on Sunday against FC Volendam, and they will visit SC Heerenveen in their following league match on December 6.