From Dominance to Disaster: Inside Liverpool’s Shock Four-Game Losing Streak

LIVERPOOL, UK – Just weeks into the new Premier League campaign, defending champions Liverpool appeared set to “stroll” to another title, winning their first five league games. Yet, following a crushing 3-2 defeat to Brentford on Monday, the Reds are now enduring a devastating four-game losing streak—a run of form matched by a defending champion only three other times in Premier League history, according to Opta.

Arne Slot’s side has already suffered as many league defeats as they did in their entire title-winning campaign last season. The sudden collapse has left commentators searching for answers, which lie at the intersection of complex tactical missteps and a profound off-field tragedy.

Coming off a stellar season, Liverpool broke their transfer record twice to sign top attacking talents like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, alongside forward Hugo Ekitiké, replacing departed stars such as Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez.

Liverpool has now lost four league games in a row.

While some adjustment was expected with such “upheaval in the front line,” tactical analysts argue the fundamental issue is not the new forwards, but the replacements for defensive veterans Trent Alexander-Arnold (who moved to Real Madrid) and, to a lesser extent, Andrew Robertson.

Soccer tactics writer Josh Williams suggests the club “got the summer wrong.” He highlights a severe lack of balance:

“You’ve got so many players in there now, specifically bought from the summer, who have clashing interests. It’s kind of like a team of forwards at the moment. And it sounds good and looks good on paper, but then in practical reality, you start craving the balance. And Liverpool haven’t got the balance.”

The tactical shift saw Liverpool double down on intricate passing, but other Premier League rivals have countered with a more physical, direct game plan centered on set pieces and long balls. Coach Arne Slot admitted his team has not yet found an answer: “Teams have a certain playing style against us, which is a very good strategy to play, and we haven’t found an answer yet,” he told reporters after the Brentford loss.

A tribute to Diogo Jota is placed outside Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, on Saturday, July 5, the day his funeral was held in Portugal.

Underpinning the team’s struggles is the tragic death of former player Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car accident with his brother in July. Captain Virgil van Dijk noted in early October, “It was always going to be a difficult season… So we have to go over this, we have to go through this, as one.”

The emotional impact is visible, particularly on star forward Mohamed Salah, who finished last season as the league’s top goalscorer and assist maker but has struggled this year, scoring his first non-penalty league goal only recently.

Beyond the emotional toll, Jota’s absence has a practical impact. Neil Atkinson, host of The Anfield Wrap, stated: “You can point at the tragic death of Diogo Jota and that is undoubtedly a factor in a number of ways here. It’s also a factor in why Liverpool may well be an attacker down.”

Liverpool fans continue to honor the Portuguese forward by singing his song in the 20th minute of every match, a testament to the grief the club is processing. Slot has urged his team to find inspiration in Jota’s on-field attitude, saying: “If it’s so difficult then try a little bit harder or just keep on going and try to make it work.”

Despite the difficult start, the season is far from over, with the Reds still active in the Champions League. However, the path to reclaiming their Premier League dominance has become significantly more challenging.