Liverpool fell to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad this afternoon, subsequently putting an end to their chances of securing the FA Cup.
Arne Slot’s side were simply outclassed by Pep Guardiola’s men this afternoon, which has no doubt mounted further pressure on the shoulders of the Dutchman.
A hat-trick from Erling Haaland and an inch-perfect chip from Antoine Semenyo secured the victory for the hosts, with the Reds unable to live with their quality throughout.
Arne-Slot-Liverpool-Van-Dijk
Mohamed Salah had the opportunity to get the side on the scoresheet, but the Egyptian winger had his penalty kick saved by James Trafford - summing up the dismal display in Manchester.
It was an afternoon to forget for multiple players who started the encounter, with their starting roles under Slot certainly becoming under huge pressure week after week.
Salah & Van Dijk’s displays against Man City
As previously mentioned, winger Salah once again endured an afternoon to forget for Liverpool, with his missed penalty kick in the second half just the tip of the iceberg.
The soon-to-depart attacker also managed to complete just 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst also losing 50% of the ground duels that he entered.
Mo-Salah-Liverpool-Slot
He also failed to create a single chance for any of his teammates, whilst also making none of his 13 passes into the final third - further highlighting his lack of creativity.
Centre-back Virgil van Dijk also endured a torrid afternoon at the Etihad, with the Dutchman giving away a penalty in the first half after being adjudged to have fouled Nico O’Reilly.
The 34-year-old also failed to make a single tackle and lost 100% of the ground duels he entered - subsequently being unable to get anywhere near the host’s attackers.
Other stats, such as two fouls committed and just two headed clearances, showcase the struggles he endured against City - in what was an uncharacteristically poor display from the defender.
The Liverpool star who looks finished under Slot
After their exit from the FA Cup earlier this afternoon, Liverpool’s only realistic chance of securing a trophy this season will be the Champions League.
However, if they are to claim another European trophy, they will have to somehow get past the current defending champions, PSG, during the upcoming quarter-finals.
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Questions will no doubt be asked about Slot’s long-term future in the role, with the drop off from last season’s title-winning campaign nothing short of remarkable.
He was even-handed over £400m worth of funds to bolster his ranks, but it appears that his mammoth spending has had a negative effect, given the recent results.
The manager’s team selection has also left many baffled, with the Dutchman handing Joe Gomez a start at right-back against the menacing Jeremy Doku.
The Englishman massively struggled during the defeat at the Etihad this afternoon, featuring for 62 minutes before being replaced by Jeremie Frimpong.
Joe-Gomez-Liverpool
He was constantly run ragged by the City winger, failing to win any of his two tackles, while only managing to come out on top in just four ground duels.
Gomez also managed to complete just 22 passes during the meeting in Manchester, with only one of his efforts being completed to a teammate within the final third.
Joe Gomez - stats against Man City
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Passes completed
Possession lost
Tackles won
Passes into the final third
Chances created
Blocks made
He also only registered 46 touches of the ball, subsequently losing possession on 11 occasions - resulting in him giving the ball away once every 4.1 touches.
After such a performance, it’s evident that Gomez is no longer a player who is capable of performing at the top level, with the hierarchy needing to move him on this summer.
Salah’s departure this summer could kickstart a needed rebuild at Anfield ahead of 2026/27, with the Englishman - who was linked with a £45m move to Newcastle United in 2024 - also needing to be a player who’s sacrificed.
Liverpool's Joe Gomez talks to Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi at the end of the match
It would no doubt be an emotional sale given his long-standing affiliation with the Reds, but ultimately, it’s a call that needs to be made for the best of the club.
If the Reds are to battle at the top of the Premier League once again next term, key decisions need to be made by the board, with Gomez’s departure one that needs to be completed.