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Liverpool has been told that its defense of the Premier League title has been "pathetic" and that Virgil van Dijk should have been moved on in the off-season.
The Reds won the league at a canter last season but have lost five of their 11 top-flight games already this term, currently sitting in eighth place in the standings. There have been seven losses in all competitions in the last 10 games, and Sunday's heavy loss to Manchester City erased the feel-good factor that was beginning to come back after successive wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
Arne Slot has faced criticism for his tactics at times this season, and divisive TV anchor Richard Keys has stuck the boot in, saying that Liverpool's title challenge is already over – and suggesting that the team was the best of a bad bunch last term too.
"I’m reading 'Arne Lost' fears Liverpool have already blown their title chances," Keys said.
"I’ve got news for you Arne. You have. You can’t win it now. Not after losing five games already.
"It’s been a pathetic defense, but we shouldn’t be surprised really. I said all last season Liverpool weren’t great champions. Of course they take credit for having won it, but there wasn’t really a challenge.
"They stumbled over the line, almost like a tired marathon runner.
"Changes had to be made, but they didn’t do surgery where it was really needed.
"Van Dijk is fading fast. His powers aren’t what they once were. He’s past his sell-by date and should really have been moved on, but Liverpool didn’t sign a replacement.
"They spent all their money on forwards, some of whom look as lost as their coach."
Van Dijk has faced criticism for his performances this season, but he was unlucky to see a goal ruled out against City that would probably have meant the Reds went in level at half-time.
The Dutchman headed home from a corner, but a VAR intervention resulted in the goal being disallowed, after it was adjudged that Andy Robertson, who was in an offside position when Van Dijk made contact with the ball, had hindered Gianluigi Donnarumma's attempt to save the shot.
Replays showed, however, that Robertson was not in Donnarumma's line of sight, and he also did not obstruct the Italian goalkeeper in any way.
On Monday, Liverpool complained to the PGMOL following the decision, raising concerns over how the decision was reached.
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