Liverpool put in another disjointed performance as Aston Villa swept past them 4-2 at Villa Park last night. Ollie Watkins grabbed a brace as Morgan Rogers and John McGinn also got on the scoresheet to pile even more pressure on Arne Slot and the Reds.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk did score a brace, but it was all in vain as the 2024-25 Premier League champions looked blunt in attack with only the talented Rio Ngumoha providing sparks of creativity.
Aston Villa confirmed their spot in next season's UEFA Champions League with this victory, while Liverpool will now, in all likelihood, need a positive result against Brentford on the last day of the season to secure UCL qualification.
While Liverpool have looked blunt in attack, they have also leaked goals defensively, and Ollie Watkins explained how easy it was to dismantle Arne Slot's men last night. Speaking after his brace to Sky Sports (H/T Liverpool.com), the England international said:
"Liverpool play a high line and don't play offside so they're disjointed at the back. I feel like there's a lot of space for me to run into. No disrespect to them, the center-backs are world-class, but I spot space and opportunities. I like to run in behind.
"Just before the goal, I was disappointed because I went offside. They play such a high line. I shouldn't be offside in that position but to grab that goal a minute later, me and Morgan [Rogers] have a great connection.
"I'm buzzing Pau [Torres] missed that; I knew I wasn't offside. It's horrible when it goes to VAR, you never know, but you can't ask for anything more as a striker with a little tap in there."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is under increasing pressure after insipid performances against Aston Villa and Chelsea
Not only have the results not gone their way, but the style of play in the last few weeks has also left fans frustrated. While in attack, they lack imagination and creativity, defensively, they have been extremely porous as evidenced by the performance last night.
With UEFA Champions League qualification on the line heading into the last day of the season, The Reds will have a crucial decision to make on Arne Slot's future after the season is over.
While there have been mitigating circumstances with this season with injuries, the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and other issues on and off the field, there can still be no excuse for the kind of performances Liverpool have produced.
UCL qualification is the bare minimum and Slot will be hoping that the Reds get the job done against Brentford in what will be Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson's farewell game.
Also read: "Gross negligence if Liverpool keep him", "I am disgusted" - Fans want one key Reds man to leave after 4-2 loss against Aston Villa