Liverpool Faces Third Consecutive Defeat Amid Mohamed Salah Form Concerns

Liverpool is facing a challenging period this season, with Mohamed Salah's performance notably declining, as he has struggled to score and assist, and his underlying stats are the worst in his nine years at the club. Manager Arne Slot has given Salah freedom to conserve energy by limiting his defensive duties, but this has exposed weaknesses, particularly on the right flank, where defenders face overloads due to insufficient support. Former Liverpool player Wayne Rooney attributes Salah's struggles to tactical disruptions in midfield and the integration of new signings, which have unsettled the team's cohesion and balance, affecting both offensive and defensive play. Despite these issues, teammates like Cody Gakpo acknowledge the team's effort and stress the need to regroup and return to winning ways. The situation reflects a broader tactical challenge for Liverpool, as opponents exploit known weaknesses and the team strives to regain its former fluidity and effectiveness.