‘I think Arne Slot needs to make ruthless decision to drop $54M Liverpool star vs. Arsenal’

You could be forgiven, based on some verdicts offered in recent days, for believing that Liverpool’s start to the defense of its Premier League crown has been toothless and lacking bright sparks or any reason for optimism.

The reality is a little different. Hugo Ekitike’s quick adaptation, the fluidity shown at times up front, the grit to battle back in both league games and, most importantly, the six points earned should offer plenty of positives from the first two weeks of the season.

That said, no-one doubts things must improve, especially this week against Arsenal, the side that could offer the most rigorous long-term test of Liverpool’s title credentials.

Getting Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz on the ball more often will be among Arne Slot’s priorities ahead of Sunday’s game, plus defending set-pieces, particularly given the strength of Mikel Arteta’s side from corners.

But the Dutchman's most pressing concern will likely be eliminating the defensive errors that have plagued the first two performances. Alleviating those mistakes could well define Liverpool’s title aspirations.

Admittedly, the side looked more compact and less vulnerable to the counter-attack with Ryan Gravenberch back at St James’ Park, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Of the three defenders who started both games in the league, two - Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez - have struggled. To say the former has come back undercooked since the summer break is an understatement.

Sceptics may wonder if Real Madrid’s reported interest is starting to turn his head - Liverpool have been here before, after all - but there is a general belief his performances will soon return to the same levels as last season.

Alternatively, Marc Guehi’s possible arrival could provide the solution. Regardless, with Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez not in a position to start against the Gunners, it’s difficult to envisage the Frenchman not featuring in Sunday’s line-up. There isn’t a ready-made replacement at this stage.

The same can’t be said at left-back, with an experienced and cool head waiting in the wings. Andy Robertson is suddenly having to adjust to his new reality as a Liverpool back-up after nearly eight years holding down a spot as a regular starter.

He didn’t exactly impress in his cameo off the bench appearance against Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the season, but in such a high-stakes game, where the margin for error will be so minute, his selection from the off bears consideration against Arsenal.

Kerkez’s unwanted penchant for diving into tackles could leave Liverpool exposed, while the ease with which Bruno Guimaraes outmuscled the Hungarian from a Newcastle set-piece doesn’t bode well.

Indeed, it’s could be a sage approach for the entire season, with the rapid, attacking-oriented Kerkez better suited to matches against low blocks, and the more defensive, assured Robertson drafted in to deal with the trickier opposition attacks.

Even with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz out and Martin Odegaard a doubt, Arsenal will pack a punch at Anfield. Noni Madueke will likely come in to play on the right flank, and Liverpool cannot afford the ex-Chelsea man space in which to operate.

It may feel harsh to drop Kerkez at this early stage of his Liverpool career, just weeks after his £40million ($54M) arrival, but Slot has routinely shown a ruthless streak in his selections thus far as Reds boss.

That could be needed once again this weekend.

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