Virgil van Dijk offered a frank and unfiltered assessment after Liverpool’s painful defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. He admitted that the team continues to concede goals far too easily, especially in moments where they should be in control. According to him, the opening half hour showed some promise, but that early energy faded quickly. Forest capitalized from yet another set piece — a recurring weakness — and although questions could be raised about Alisson’s view being obstructed, the goal still stood. Van Dijk emphasized that beyond the technical moments, Liverpool simply weren’t sharp enough in their duels, nor committed enough in the second-ball battles that often decide tight matches.
This defeat highlights something deeper: Anfield is no longer the fortress it once was. The aura has faded, the intimidation factor has dropped, and even Liverpool themselves are struggling to win on a ground that used to guarantee results. Opponents no longer arrive fearing the worst; instead, they come believing they can walk away with points — and too often, they do.
It’s also becoming clear that the team has lost its structure, confidence, and identity. Moments that once felt automatic now require unnecessary effort. Mistakes that were once unthinkable are becoming routine. The team plays in waves, but can’t sustain pressure or defensive focus long enough to take control of games.
And then there’s Arne Slot. While he arrived with hope and promise, the results on the pitch tell a very different story. Instead of improving the squad, he looks increasingly overwhelmed by the scale of the job. The joke around fans is harsh but reflects the frustration: Slot is a good finisher — only that the thing he seems closest to finishing is Liverpool itself.
In the end, this defeat wasn’t just a bad day; it’s another chapter in a worrying pattern. Liverpool look lost, predictable, and weaker in every area of the pitch. Unless something changes soon, the slide could get even worse.
