Arne Slot has admitted Liverpool’s campaign has been defined by defensive frailty after Aston Villa ran riot at Villa Park on Friday night, winning 4-2 in a result that has significantly complicated the Reds’ hopes of finishing in the top five.
Morgan Rogers scored twice, Ollie Watkins added a third and John McGinn wrapped up a comfortable victory after half-time, with Van Dijk’s brace accounting for Liverpool’s consolation goals in a chaotic second half.
The damage was done in a devastating five-minute spell midway through the second half, as Liverpool were left exposed after Dominik Szoboszlai slipped in midfield and handed Villa the platform for their third goal.
Both sides arrived level on 59 points and fighting for the same Champions League qualification spot. Villa now sit fifth, two points clear of Liverpool with one game remaining.
Slot was brutally honest in his assessment of what had gone wrong.
“After 2-1 it went away from us. Before that I think we started well in the first 10 minutes of the second half then we had control of the game without creating chances – but that is not the first time this season.
“At 1-1 we were close to going 2-1 and then conceding the goal at 2-1 the way we conceded the goal is something we haven’t had this season yet. We have conceded a lot of goals this season which you’d find hard to believe unless you live it and that’s what we did today. Villa were the better team after that and the game went away from us.”
‘Far too many losses’
Slot also addressed Liverpool’s wretched away record, which has been one of the most damaging features of their campaign. They have now lost nine Premier League games on the road this season.
“In general teams struggle more away from home but for a top team like us it’s far too many losses and dropped points. That hugely has to do with the way we concede – it is far too easy in general.
“We have chances but we’ve not been as clinical in finishing them this season as we were last season. It doesn’t help that [Alexander] Isak has hardly played for us or that Hugo [Ekitike] has been unavailable. It is what it is. Next week, Brentford is where our focus is.”
The Liverpool manager was sympathetic towards Szoboszlai, whose slip directly led to Villa’s third goal, while refusing to single him out for criticism.
“It’s not about me or how frustrated I am – it’s frustrating for everyone involved, players, staff and definitely fans. Frustrating for players who came back and in football you can slip, but it’s so unfortunate. That is something that’s probably part of our season. We know what to do next week.”
Slot’s future under scrutiny
Slot also addressed his own position, which has been the subject of growing speculation in recent days.
“It’s not about me, it’s about us being disappointed with the result. I spoke yesterday on it and that’s enough. Our focus is on the Brentford game and making sure we earn the support of the fans by starting the game aggressive and well. The culmination of the fan support and a good performance will lead us to what we want to achieve and that is qualifying for the Champions League.”
Liverpool must beat Brentford at Anfield on the final day to secure a top five spot, unless Bournemouth slip-up below them.