Situated on the biggest of the most unsuccessful finishes to last season, Liverpool’s swirl was the more recent of meagre defeats with a stark 4-2 demolition at Villa Park being the final blow for the visitor side at the hands of Aston Villa’s Arne Slot side. Once the moment was in the other team’s favour, it is now turning sour and defensive, and there is uncertainty over Liverpool’s short-term future.

After the final whistle the scenes did a pretty good job of capturing the atmosphere throughout the club. Again some Liverpool supporters had to board the bus from the away end as the game ended, reflecting the exasperation of the Liverpool fans when they faced Chelsea last time. One of the only reliable players this season, Szoboszlai was forced on the lips of the travelling fans after another expensive error was the cause of the defeat here. As Liverpool close the door on a fantastic chances campaign without anyone came close to the party, it is things are going much slower than at the start.

First and foremost, the biggest worry at Liverpool is the poor defensive performance. It had been their 19th defeat in all competitions this season and one of their most undesirable statistics: Liverpool conceded over 50 goals for the first time in one Premier League season. Since months their defense, which was one of the best in Europe, has appeared disorganized. Opponents are taking possession and controlling the ball in their possession easily, particularly in transition and set-piece situations.

Ollie Watkins showed all those tricks at Villa Park most effectively. The Villa striker who had repeated chances to find room behind the Liverpool back line were taking advantage of every opportunity Villa created, which is why he said after the match that he felt he had plenty of chances. But the second half was lost by Liverpool who failed to get in control after threatening in the game, with Watkins going to goal on two monster opportunities. Liverpool had yet another “poor in possession and poor out of possession” theme to their night, exactly how Jamie Carragher–who noted it himself before the match–claimed worrying enough.

The issues are not just related to defense. There’s also been a lack of balance in Liverpool’s midfield and a lack of control in recent weeks. The team is no doubt impacted by injuries, as Arne Slot told reporters prior to the match that nine senior players would not be able to play. But there are only a handful of physical reasons that might account for what painfully few warts—confidence, intensity and tactical discipline—show in recent defeats at Manchester United, Chelsea and now Aston Villa.

Without sounding like a broken record, what is worrying is the lack of leadership in challenging moments is evident. However, Liverpool looked ‘no man’s land’ compliant following Villa’s second goal. When the going got tough, he said, “Slot’s team broke down.” Liverpool were unable to act in a calm manner and were disheya or disunited from up and down the field.

Perhaps ironically one of Liverpool’s most promising players of the night was 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha. The teenager was active, courageous and attacking in a tough night for the senior team. Perhaps his appearance is a glaring eloquent reminder for all of those who are experienced golfers and, yet, couldn’t get it done in a stress-filled match.

In the meantime, the pressure onto Arne Slot is mounting up. The Dutch manager led Liverpool to the Premier League this past season, but the hasty fall suffered this year has left upsetting questions. The club is in danger of missing out on future Champions League qualification as some supporters are now questioning if the right man is in charge at the club for their rebuild in the near future, after losing the only tender, Fly Half ‘Sir’ George Best to Barcelona on a free transfer.

In his post-match press conference, Redknapp stauntned his case for allowing the manager “one more season” as Liverpool have suffered from injuries and have been successful recently. Nevertheless, the Liverpool manager’s job will inevitably become a hot topic if he fails to live up to those high expectations again next season if they are not higher.

The Champions League competition adds to Liverpool’s saga this season. If the results from the last week of the season are anything like they were the previous week, then Bournemouth and Brighton can still ship down on top of the Reds. Bournemouth are four points ahead of Liverpool on the other side and Brighton are six points back with more or less goals scored. However, if it is not to the Liverpool’s end the consequence could be the loss of a top-four berth in the final race.

Lastly, Liverpool’s triumph over Brentford in the league match is now very highly valued. It might even be an emotional goodbye to club heroes Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, as well as a game that could mean the difference between Liverpool being England’s champions league hosts and it going to their rivals Leicester next time. A relaxed end of season has turned into a stressful, unsure and very uneasy period for all involved with the club.

Liverpool’s demise over the past few weeks has highlighted huge deficiencies in the squad that won’t be overlooked this summer. The club now urgently needs improvements in defence, the middle block and leadership, in order to return to domestic level football. When it comes to pressure, it can only get worse for Arne Slot and his team.

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