Steven Gerrard labelled Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley – their fourth in a row in the Premier League – “unacceptable” with Arne Slot facing a “difficult week.”
Speaking during TNT Sports’ coverage of Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal, Gerrard was informed of Burnley‘s second-half equaliser.
Giving his immediate verdict the former Liverpool captain described drawing at home to the Clarets, particularly in the context of the Reds’ recent run, as “unacceptable.”
He did give credit to Slot for restoring his side back to unbeaten form – now 12 games without defeat – before later accepting it could be a “difficult week” for the Dutchman.
"It's not acceptable" ?
Steven Gerrard's reaction to Liverpool's draw with Burnley.
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“Even though they’re on a better run in terms of unbeaten games, the draws to the likes of Leeds and Burnley at home, you know and I know that’s not acceptable,” Gerrard explained.
“So there will be a lot of criticism that comes the manager’s way again.
“But give the manager credit, the last time we spoke about this, you asked me was the team in a crisis and I said I didn’t think it was.
Liverpool’s unbeaten run: The worrying reality
12 games unbeaten: Liverpool have not lost a game since the 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on November 26.
Only six wins: Just six of those 12 games have been wins, including against 10-man West Ham, nine-man Tottenham and League One side Barnsley.
Four draws in a row: The Reds have now drawn each of their last four games in the Premier League: Leeds (0-0), Fulham (2-2), Arsenal (0-0) and Burnley (1-1)
“I felt that this manager was capable of making things better, steadying the ship and he has moved the team from the middle of the table up back into the Champions League positions.
“And I think that will be a priority for him and the team, minimum top four this season.
“But that won’t take anything away from the criticism that will come his way.”
Asked specifically about the conservative style of play Slot has adopted to arrest Liverpool’s miserable form at the back end of last year, Gerrard hinted at his frustration.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 17, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk reacts to conceeding the equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“The manager’s openly said himself that they’re struggling against teams that put a lot of men behind the ball,” he continued.
“Whatever you want to call it, a low block, the manager’s said that they’re struggling with the creativity.
“They’ve got some injuries in the forward positions, I’ll give them that, but you can’t use it as an excuse.
“The team that he’s built and the team that he’s inherited, there should have enough quality and enough talent to open these teams up and score.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 17, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“One-nil at home, you’re always going to be at risk of conceding a sloppy goal and then it leads to two points dropped.
“Arne will be in for a difficult week before the Champions League.”
Liverpool are next in action on Wednesday night when they visit Marseille, which could bring Mo Salah‘s immediate return to the squad after Egypt’s third-placed decider against Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.