Following a close derby victory over Everton, Liverpool faced a disappointing turn of events with a 3-2 defeat to Fulham in the Premier League. This loss, their second in a row, cools any celebratory spirits among supporters who had begun to anticipate a league title.

Arsenal’s lackluster draw against Everton somewhat softened the blow of Liverpool’s defeat, but the performance at Craven Cottage highlighted ongoing issues. As they strive for the title, currently 11 points ahead with just seven matches remaining, it is crucial for Liverpool to rectify their form before the season concludes.

Struggles in Recent Matches

Despite their dominant position in the league, Liverpool has encountered difficulties lately, suffering three defeats in their last four outings across all competitions. Notably, errors played a significant role in the loss to Fulham, where they conceded three goals in a disastrous first half after initially taking the lead through a remarkable goal by Alexis Mac Allister.

The team’s previous two defeats were slightly more forgiving, with one loss coming from a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and another against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Nonetheless, the concerning display against Fulham raised questions about the team’s current state.

Identifying the Issues

An analysis shows that while fatigue was suggested as a factor, coach Arne Slot believes the squad is still capable of performing without complacency. Only ten outfield players in the Premier League have featured in every match this season, with three from Liverpool: Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Gravenberch’s increased playing time—accruing over 2,600 minutes in the league this season—suggests that heavy workloads may take their toll, particularly as a few members of the squad are experiencing mental fatigue reminiscent of last year’s struggles. Moreover, Salah’s recent goal drought amplifies concerns, given his integral role in Liverpool’s attacking strength this season, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output.

Strategizing for the Future

As Liverpool approaches a pivotal summer transfer window, strategic decisions are imminent. With Mohamed Salah’s recent contract extension secured, the focus now shifts to players like van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts are set to expire soon. Reports indicate interest from Real Madrid in Alexander-Arnold, complicating matters for the club.

To bolster the squad, Liverpool may need to explore options for a right-back to support Conor Bradley, who has shown promise but lacks extensive experience. Additionally, acquiring a left-back is critical, considering Andrew Robertson’s inconsistent performances this season.

Potential transfers are being widely speculated, with AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez connected to a potential £40 million move to Anfield. Other promising young defenders are also on Liverpool’s radar, aligning with their usual approach of incorporating youth with experience.

Moreover, with Darwin Núñez’s struggles as a reliable center-forward, the club may look to the transfer market for a more consistent scorer, potentially offloading Núñez to financially support new acquisitions.

Immediate Goals

The essential task at hand is to reclaim momentum in the league, starting with the upcoming match against West Ham United. Failure to secure a win could raise worries about the team’s stability and whether recent hardships could turn into a significant decline, overshadowing future transfers and strategic plans.