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Liverpool legend John Aldridge says the Reds have to get back to basics after a difficult week of results for Arne Slot's side — insisting that Arsenal being so good defensively is a major difference at the moment.
Arsenal moved ahead of Liverpool on Saturday by beating West Ham United. The Reds then lost late on at Chelsea, meaning they are a point behind in the standings (and two clear of Manchester City).
But Liverpool's performances have been inconsistent so far this season. When it has won, it has tended to require a late winner and has never quite looked fully convincing and in control.
"Please excuse me if I keep banging on about the same thing, but Liverpool really do need to remember how to keep a clean sheet," Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool ECHO column.
"That’s the main difference between ourselves and Arsenal now.
"The Gunners aren’t really pulling up any trees, but their ability to keep things tight at the back means they always have a chance of winning games, which they are now starting to do.
"They are the real worry for Liverpool in terms of the title race. Manchester City are dangerous and will always be a threat, but Arsenal are far more settled regards line-up and what they are trying to do.
"That’s the complete opposite to us at present. We don’t look like we’re ever going to keep a clean sheet at the moment."
Liverpool has kept two clean sheets this season in all competitions — against Arsenal and Burnley. It has scored one goal fewer than the Gunners in the Premier League while conceding six more, though has had harder fixtures to contend with.
"The international break has come at a good time as it gives us a time to have a bit of a reset," Aldridge added. "We can’t afford to lose too many more games and the time has come to go back to basics.
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"It wouldn’t have been the worst result in the world to get a point at either Crystal Palace or Chelsea, and maybe it’s time to start grind things out again."
Liverpool returns to action a week on Sunday against Manchester United. Its next two Premier League games after that are against Brentford and Aston Villa before a trip to Manchester City in November.
Liverpool.com says: Keeping more clean sheets is a must and keeping control of matches is vital. Liverpool has had tough games, though, and losing to Crystal Palace and Chelsea is no disgrace. There is plenty of time for the necessary improvements to be made.
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