Liverpool suffered another late setback on Saturday as a 96th minute goal handed Chelsea victory over the Reds at Stamford Bridge. Following a 97th minute winner for Crystal Palace the previous week, Arne Slot’s side have now endured three consecutive losses, including an away defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Despite currently sitting second in the Premier League table, just one point behind leaders Arsenal, Liverpool entered the Palace match five points ahead of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Liverpool are set to face Manchester United at Anfield following the international break. Slot will be keen to swiftly address the multitude of issues he faces to prevent a fourth successive loss.
With long-term transfer target Marc Guehi back in focus and Mohamed Salah’s work rate in the tie against Chelsea attracting attention, the ECHO examines all the latest news emerging from Anfield.
While many anticipate Liverpool to renew their interest in Crystal Palace star Guehi in January or in the summer, it appears they’re going to face tough competition from Bayern Munich, reports the Mirror.
Reports from Germany suggest that the Bavarian’s head of sport, Max Eberl, is a fan of the Eagles’ captain. Rumours indicate that the Bundesliga champions have already initiated discussions with the player’s representatives with the intention of securing his services on a free transfer next summer.
Real Madrid will also be looking to strengthen their central defensive options and Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso is also believed to be keen. Guehi insists his full focus remains with Palace after his deadline day move collapsed.
The England international had agreed personal terms on a £35m switch to the Premier League champions in the summer. Palace pulled out of talks after failing to land a suitable replacement, leaving Guehi’s dream move in tatters.
“I don’t have much to say, to be honest,” he said. “I’m focused on playing football and playing for this club. But to the fans (I want to say) thank you very much for your support. I definitely feel it.”
Following a campaign that can only be described as iconic last time around, Salah was anticipated to reach the same peaks again this term. Nevertheless, whilst the Liverpool winger has notched three goals and three assists in 10 matches, his statistics and overall displays fail to reflect a player who was recently ranked fourth at the Ballon d’Or awards.
His showing against Chelsea has sparked concerns with Blues defender Marc Cucurella disclosing Enzo Maresca’s team deliberately exploited Liverpool’s right flank due to the gaps left by the 33-year-old. This summer, the Egyptian disclosed that he had discussions with Slot about reducing his defensive duties, with both parties agreeing that he would focus on the team’s attacking output instead.
Nevertheless, with Liverpool finding it difficult to score goals, Salah is now facing criticism from certain sections. “I told him [Slot]: ‘As long as you rest me defensively, I will provide offensively,” Salah said in April after winning the Premier League title.
“Try to rest me as much as I could and I will show you the numbers’. I’m glad that I did. It was the manager’s idea but I think he listened a lot. I spoke to him and you can see the numbers.
“It’s quite tricky because when you play in the Premier League you have to defend also. I told him that I can gamble here and there but when I get the ball I am always free and can make the difference. I think the number of assists also shows that. It’s not just goals – it’s about creating chances that are different for the team.”
