Liverpool Slip Behind Arsenal As Real Madrid Eye Another Anfield...

Liverpool fine start to the Premier League season has hit turbulence, with back-to-back defeats derailing Arne Slot’s early momentum.

The Reds led the table after five straight wins but have since lost to Crystal Palace and Chelsea in dramatic stoppage-time finishes.

As a result, Liverpool now trail Arsenal in the title race, with questions mounting over key absences and defensive frailties.

Alexander-Arnold’s Absence Felt

Former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid continues to haunt Slot’s squad.

Gary Lineker and Jamie Redknapp both argued that the Reds’ struggles are partly due to losing their creative full-back.

“Mo Salah misses that connection,” Redknapp said. “Trent gave Liverpool something irreplaceable going forward.”

Slot has rotated between Conor Bradley and new signing Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, even experimenting with Dominik Szoboszlai in that role.

But the balance hasn’t been found — and Liverpool’s attacking rhythm looks disjointed without their former vice-captain, reports Liverpool Echo.

Ibrahima Konate has also drawn criticism during the Reds’ defensive wobble.

The French defender’s contract expires next summer, and reports claim Real Madrid are monitoring his situation closely.

Rio Ferdinand believes transfer speculation has unfairly made Konate a scapegoat.

“If there’s blame to share, he’s the one getting it now,” Ferdinand said.

Slot’s task after the break is clear — steady the defence, rediscover form, and keep Liverpool’s title hopes alive.