Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad ended in humiliation, as the Reds suffered a 3–0 defeat to Manchester City — a result that has drawn sharp criticism from both fans and pundits alike. Leading the backlash was Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who delivered a blistering assessment of one of Arne Slot’s high-profile summer signings.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Henry didn’t hold back.
“After watching him today for the first time, I realised Liverpool made a huge mistake signing him. He’s simply a waste of money,” he said.
“I genuinely don’t understand what Arne Slot saw in him. Liverpool used to recruit players who could change games, but this guy slows everything down.”
Henry’s remarks quickly went viral, echoing the anger of supporters who watched their side outclassed in every department by Pep Guardiola’s men.
A Day to Forget for Liverpool
From the opening whistle, City seized control and never let go. Their passing was crisp, their movement relentless, and every Liverpool mistake was punished.
While the defensive line bore much of the scrutiny, one summer recruit — expected to be a key figure in Slot’s rebuild — drew particular attention for all the wrong reasons.
He lost possession several times, failed to track runners, and appeared out of sync with his teammates.
Disappointed fans flooded social media after the final whistle with comments such as:
“We spent millions for this? Absolute joke.”
“Thierry Henry is spot on — he’s nowhere near Liverpool quality.”
Pressure Mounting on Arne Slot
The defeat has intensified the pressure on Arne Slot, whose early tenure has already been marked by inconsistency. Since replacing Jürgen Klopp, Slot has attempted to implement a more controlled, tactical style of play — but results like this have raised doubts about whether his squad fits that vision.
Critics argue that Liverpool’s transfer strategy lacked coherence, with several new signings yet to justify their inclusion.
Henry even hinted that the problem might lie beyond individual performances:
“Sometimes it’s not just the player. You have to ask whether they were signed for the right system. Does Arne Slot even know his best eleven? Because right now, it doesn’t look like it.”
Fans Losing Faith
For many supporters, the optimism that greeted Slot’s appointment is beginning to fade.
Comments circulating online reflect growing frustration:
“Klopp would never have allowed this humiliation.”
“We’ve lost our identity — no passion, no fight.”
Some have even begun calling on the club’s ownership, FSG, to intervene if results do not improve soon.
Henry’s Final Verdict
Henry concluded his analysis with a stern warning, urging Liverpool to rethink their recruitment strategy.
“Liverpool are a huge club. They can’t afford experimental signings,” he said. “You can’t bring in players who can’t handle the pressure. This isn’t the Eredivisie — this is the Premier League. You need warriors, not passengers.”
His statement has divided opinion among fans, with some praising his honesty while others accused him of being overly harsh.
Slot’s Response and What Comes Next
Arne Slot remained composed in his post-match interview, refusing to single out any player for blame.
“We win together and lose together,” he said. “The result is painful, but we will sort it out internally. I trust every player in this squad.”
However, reports suggest that Slot is privately frustrated with several summer recruits and may look to make changes when the transfer window opens in January.
Liverpool now face a crucial run of fixtures against Tottenham, Arsenal, and Aston Villa — matches that could define their season. Another setback could deepen doubts about Slot’s leadership and his summer transfer decisions.
The big question remains: did Arne Slot misjudge his signings?
If Thierry Henry’s comments are anything to go by, Liverpool’s problems may extend far beyond a single bad afternoon at the Etihad
