The latest Premier League classic ended in heartbreak for Liverpool, who lost 1-2 at home to long-time rivals Manchester United. Fans on Cricket Exchange reacted with disbelief as the Reds slipped to their fourth straight defeat across all competitions, a disastrous run that has derailed their title chase. Despite spending a record 483 million euros in the summer, Liverpool’s performance levels have dropped alarmingly instead of improving, leaving supporters wondering what went wrong.
For Liverpool, this match was meant to be the perfect opportunity to get back on track. Manchester United had failed to win a single away fixture all season, even losing to lower-division side Grimsby Town. Yet, despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Liverpool couldn’t turn control into goals. Their attacking rhythm was disjointed, and their finishing lacked conviction. The 1-2 loss not only extended their losing streak but also marked their worst run since 2014 — a sign of serious decline under pressure.
At the center of Liverpool’s struggles stands Mohamed Salah, once the unstoppable engine of their attack. In this game, however, he was almost invisible. His dribbling failed repeatedly, his movements seemed uncertain, and he wasted a clear scoring chance that could have changed everything. Frustrated fans noted after the match that Salah, who played nearly the full 90 minutes, looked less dangerous than Frimpong, who came on for just five. Discussion threads on Cricket Exchange have since been flooded with criticism, with many questioning whether Salah’s prime days are behind him.
Just a season ago, Salah was delivering world-class numbers — 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 matches, directly contributing to 57 goals. His consistency convinced the club to offer him the most lucrative contract in Liverpool’s history. But this season tells a different story. After 11 appearances, he has only three goals and three assists, and his confidence appears shattered. The speed, sharpness, and precision that once defined him now seem to have vanished without a trace.
After the match, commentator Jian Jun observed that this was Salah’s weakest performance in a North-West Derby since joining Liverpool, pointing out that his dribbling success and finishing efficiency have dropped off dramatically. He suggested it might be time to give Salah more time on the bench to help him rediscover rhythm. Club legend Jamie Carragher voiced a similar view, bluntly saying manager Arne Slot should stop automatically starting Salah until he proves he’s back in form.
The decline of their star forward has exposed a wider issue within Liverpool’s system. The team that once overwhelmed opponents with pace and intensity now looks flat and predictable. Their midfield creativity is lacking, the defense looks unsettled, and the forwards seem disconnected. If this continues, their top-four hopes could be in jeopardy long before the season ends.
Many on Cricket Exchange believe the coming weeks will define Liverpool’s entire campaign. With key Champions League fixtures approaching, Slot faces tough decisions — whether to rotate his squad, adjust tactics, or finally rest Salah. Whatever the approach, one thing is certain: unless the Egyptian king reignites his spark soon, Liverpool’s decline may turn from a bad phase into a lasting crisis.