Sports
Arne Slot is the Premier League Champions’ Biggest Problem This Season
Top-flight football never stops evolving. Stand still and you’ll be left behind. Just as Arne Slot and his Liverpool players have found out this season.
The reigning Premier League champions are slowly fading into the background to allow Manchester City and Arsenal to go head-to-head for the honour of de-throning them. Liverpool have already suffered more league defeats this term (5) than they managed in the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign.
Damaging defeats at the hands of Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United, Brentford and Man City, have left Slot’s champions almost completely out of the running for the biggest prize in English football. It’s only November.
Not only are the Merseysiders losing matches, but they are also being outplayed and outfought. This is a huge issue for those on the pitch, and an even bigger one for the manager and coaches in the dugout. If a team stops running as hard or fighting for every second ball, that’s when alarm bells inevitably start ringing.
Florian Wirtz Turning Into Unjustified Scapegoat
All the talk, understandably, is about the outrageous amount of money Liverpool spent over the summer transfer window. More than £400 million worth of talent came through the door, only adding to an already quality-stacked squad. Now, expectations are always going to be higher on the more expensive acquisitions. But is that fair?
The English giants broke the British transfer record not once, but twice in the summer. First, Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz was added to the ranks for an eye-watering fee that could eventually reach £116 million. Then, Fenway Sports Group did the unthinkable and sanctioned a £125 million move for Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak.
With other players such as Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike also being signed to bolster an already brilliant squad, all the focus was on Wirtz and Isak. That’s more than understandable, and it’s continued to be a hotly debated topic. Especially with both men’s respective struggles in the infancy of their Anfield careers.
Every Arne Slot Signing at Liverpool Ranked From Worst to Best, Florian Wirtz 6th
From Alexander Isak to Federico Chiesa, every Arne Slot Liverpool signing has been ranked.
Isak has struggled to get on the pitch consistently after missing large parts of pre-season due to his desire to swap Newcastle for Liverpool. Even in the 429 minutes he’s managed in the red shirt, the Sweden international has looked well off the pace. He’s only found the net once, in the EFL Cup against Southampton.
His absence has only added pressure to the shoulders of his new colleague Wirtz. How was it fair to add the Bundesliga’s finest creator to a team already boasting the goalscoring genius of Mohamed Salah and the efficiency of Cody Gakpo? All while adding Isak and Ekitike to the mix.
The German was expected to hit the ground running immediately. He was brought in to link the midfield and the attack, while stamping his authority on the team as a future star. However, instead of replicating Salah’s wonderful first Liverpool season, Wirtz is more reminiscent of Roberto Firmino’s stop-start debut season under Brendan Rodgers.
Liverpool Champions League Winner Steve Finnan ‘Now Facing Bankruptcy’
The glow of the 2005 Miracle in Istanbul hasn’t been as everlasting for one former Liverpool player.
Jurgen Klopp turned Firmino into one of the division’s leading players, identifying the exact role he wanted the Brazilian to perform. And the player himself bought into that, and more. At the minute, Wirtz is struggling to find his place in the starting XI, with no goals or assists in his first 11 Premier League matches. But his manager is doing him absolutely no favours.
Arne Slot Becoming His Own Worst Enemy
The smartest decision Slot made when he took the reigns from Klopp in 2024 was to make very few changes to the way Liverpool played. They weren’t a million miles behind Arsenal and Man City when the iconic German boss decided to call time on his nine-year stint at Anfield.
Instead of putting his stamp on the team immediately, Slot instead decided to just tweak a few things while retaining the identity Klopp had carefully crafted over many years. The hard-working style was still running through the veins of every single player, while Slot’s clever tactical tweaks added some defensive stability.
Federico Chiesa was his only signing before guiding the Reds to a relatively comfortable Premier League title. That achievement cannot be understated. The 47-year-old tactician deserves time to sort out the issues his team are having at the moment, but he can’t be allowed to feel too comfortable while trying to work things out.
Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning XI:
Many of the problems Liverpool are suffering from at the minute are down to the manager, while some are out of his hands completely. Firstly, the tragic death of Diogo Jota will more than likely have had an everlasting impact on the players and staff mentally. No one will see the hurt and pain long-time teammates Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Alisson and many more will still be going through. Robertson himself recently mentioned how hard it was getting the Portuguese star out of his head on a big day.
Slot’s constant changing of his starting XI, however, is something the manager can’t put down to outside factors. Wirtz has yet to be played in the same role consistently, and it’s yet to be seen whether Slot will be able to make Ekitike and Isak co-exist in the same line-up.
How Arne Slot should line Liverpool up for the coming games:
Last season’s hard-working, inevitable and intense champions look like a shadow of themselves. Players look low on confidence and many look like they aren’t quite sure what’s expected of them off the ball. Luis Diaz’s departure only added to the out-of-possession problems as Dominik Szoboszlai is now a one-man pressing machine the majority of the time. It’s a glaring weakness that Slot is yet to find the answers to.
Liverpool’s Dramatic Fall Off
Dreams came true at Anfield on April 27th 2025, as the Reds secured their first Premier League trophy in five years and the first in front of fans for over 30 years. In a moment of pure joy, very few would’ve predicted that Slot’s men would take fewer points than 10 other sides between the final whistle against Tottenham and the third international break of the next season. But that is exactly where we are now.
|
Liverpool’s Premier League Form Since Winning Title vs Spurs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Games |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
Points |
|
15 |
6 |
2 |
7 |
20 |
Not only that, but since their February exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool have lost 40% of all competitive games they’ve played. That’s not just a bad few weeks, it’s months of sub-par performances on the pitch and on the tactics board.
While the owners are expected to give Slot time to sort everything out at Anfield, it would be foolish to believe FSG won’t be keeping a keen eye on what happens throughout the rest of the 2025-26 season.
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 22-11-25.
Sports
Tottenham Must Move Immediately To Sign 6ft 3ins Striker
Tottenham should already be mobilising to snatch one of Chelsea’s reported transfer targets this summer. Roberto De Zerbi has a to-do list as big as his arm this summer as he bids to turn a relegation-battling team into one that is capable of fighting for Europe next season.
To their credit, Spurs have made a quick start, snapping up Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while Savinho looks to be a likely signing from Manchester City. But it’s going to take more than three new signings, with this squad needing to be overhauled, while another centre-back is likely needed to fill a gap that will almost certainly be left by Cristian Romero.
Spurs have a big striker need
With Randal Kolo Muani heading back to PSG after an unimpressive loan spell, Spurs have a clear need for at least one new striker, while uncertainty over Richarlison’s future could take the number up to two.
Dominic Solanke was a big investment by the club, but he has not been able to stay fit consistently, and his performance level has varied.
With pacey wingers, of which Savinho is another, this team is set up to have a holding striker, and it’s likely De Zerbi will stick to that theme, but he also knows he needs something more than what he currently has.
Vlahovic is an obvious candidate
Given the amount of money Spurs are going to have to spend on their squad, it would be wise to consider where they can save a buck or two, and soon-to-be former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is available for free, at least in terms of a transfer fee. Wages will be a very different matter, given he is currently earning £400,000-a-week.
The Serbian is not a goalscorer, but he certainly can pitch in with goals. What he is is a dominant centre-forward who will win headers, bring the ball down, receive the ball anywhere and bring the midfield and wingers into play. Beyond that, he also has a decent burst of pace for a taller striker, standing at 6ft 3ins.
Speaking when he was still at Fiorentina, Micah Richards said: “I have watched him a couple of times now, he is lightning, it’s ridiculous. His left foot is like a wand. I am telling you now, he is everything, he is everything you need.”
But none of that is the main reason Spurs should be interested.
Vlahovic is a mentality monster
De Zerbi will want to overhaul this dressing room with players with a steel-like mentality, and Vlahovic is that guy.
Obsessed with the next best thing, Juventus quickly fell out of love with Vlahovic when they found out he wasn’t a week-in, week-out scorer, something they should have known before spending €80million to sign him.
Despite relentless talk in the Italian media, transfer rumours aplenty and Juventus actively touting him to other clubs last summer, Vlahovic kept his head down and remained a starter. Rather than quitting the club, he saw out the full five years of his contract before collecting his final pay-cheque and walking out through the Allianz Stadium doors.
⚽
World Cup History Quiz
You scored
out of 20
That drew praise from former Spurs boss Igor Tudor, who labelled him an ‘example’ for the level of his performance in the wake of all the transfer noise.
We hear all the time of players who crack under such pressure, and we have seen plenty of those players at Tottenham and in the Premier League as a whole. How quickly players can become ‘flops’ once the media and fans get on top of them for not delivering on a big fee.
Vlahovic shouldered that criticism and got on with his job for three years or more, never losing his place in the meantime. That’s the kind of player De Zerbi needs to build this Tottenham dressing room around, and it’s why Spurs should be moving quickly to make sure he doesn’t end up with London rivals Chelsea.
Romano: Tottenham Working to Sign ‘Incredible’ Player, He’s Better than Van Hecke
Tottenham are moving quickly in the summer transfer market to get deals done for Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
Sports
Tottenham Handed Transfer Lifeline Over ‘Sensational’ £30m Striker
Tottenham find themselves in need of a new striker this summer, and their search may have just been handed a significant boost. Roberto De Zerbi and the club’s recruitment staff have already set about improving the squad this summer, quickly adding Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free deals.
Savinho could be the next domino to fall as Spurs continue to work on a deal to snatch the winger from Manchester City, while talks are ongoing over making the loan of Joao Palhinha a permanent move.
In the background, Spurs will be working on identifying striker targets as they look to replace outgoing loan star Randal Kolo Muani and – potentially – Richarlison.
Spurs land Guirassy boost
One striker who has regularly been linked with Spurs over recent weeks is Borussia Dortmund frontman Serhou Guirassy. The proven goalscorer is considering his options this summer, now 30 years of age, and he may be available for transfer at the right price.
There were reports of an agreement with Fenerbahce, but that is not the case, according to his agent and brother, Karamba Guirassy.
He told Sky Sports Germany: “To clarify: no agreement of any kind has been reached. Serhou is currently evaluating his options for next season. Any claim of a verbal deal is simply not true.”
Tottenham should seize chance to move for Guirassy
Spurs will be well aware of the scarcity of options when it comes to proven strikers this summer, and indeed most summers. There are plenty of strikers who have had a good season here or there, but few who have consistently scored goals like Guirassy.
He is just coming off the back of a 22-goal season with Dortmund, adding to the 34 he scored across all competitions the season prior. During his time at Stuttgart before joining Dortmund, he scored 30 goals in his final season and 14 the season before.
Guirassy is not going to be a long-term option, given he is 30 years of age, but the price will reflect that. he is understood to have a £30million release clause in his contract for select big clubs, although it is unknown whether Spurs would fall into that category. He has the pace and power to succeed at Premier League level, and he can find the net on repeat.
Speaking about the striker’s physicality, Dortmund boss Niko Kovac said back in September: “Sensational! As long as his energy held out – he’s in top physical shape, but if you don’t have continuity, you can get cramps after 70 minutes – he made a very, very assured impression: very confident, very strong in the tackle,”
Spurs have had too many strikers who aren’t goalscorers, and De Zerbi can fix that and give his front line a truly dangerous edge by snapping up Guirassy this summer.
£30m Star Agrees Personal Terms to Join Tottenham on Five-Year Deal
Tottenham are closing in on another signing in the summer transfer window.
Sports
Sir Alex Ferguson Named His 2026 World Cup Winners
The 2026 World Cup is here and predictions made by former players, managers and supporters across the globe will now be put to the test. Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has put his firm backing behind one nation this summer.
World football’s biggest competition has expanded for the 2026 edition, meaning a record 48 countries will be battling to get their hands on the iconic trophy. Among the favourites are Thomas Tuchel’s England and Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Ferguson doesn’t believe the country he managed in for 27 years or his greatest-ever player will lift the World Cup this year. If they do, he believes they’ll have to get past his formidable favourites.
Sir Alex Doubts Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Chances
Fergie brought a young Ronaldo to Old Trafford in 2003 from Sporting CP and oversaw his rise to winning the Ballon d’Or and becoming the best player on the planet. But he doesn’t think his ex-player will get his wish this summer.
When asked about Ronaldo’s chances of finally getting over the line in his record sixth World Cup, the iconic Scot claimed there’s only one team to beat. Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil. He told Press Box PR in late 2025 (per TNT Sports):
“Portugal have got good players. I always think of Brazil at the World Cup
“The Brazilian players – I had the two young lads, twins, Rafael and Fabio. They were first-rate in training every day, never wore [tracksuit] bottoms. They have a toughness about them, Brazilians. You see them on the beach for hours and hours every night playing.”
13 Most Successful Nations in Football History by Major Trophies Won
The 13 countries that have won the most title in football history – surprisingly, five-time World Cup winners Brazil are not top.
“I think whoever beats Brazil will win the World Cup,” was Ferguson’s emphatic verdict. Ancelotti would have to do something no manager has ever done in World Cup history. Each nation to have lifted the trophy has done so with a manager born in that country in charge.
The Italian is among the most successful club managers and even beat Ferguson to the Premier League title with Chelsea in the 2009-10 season. So if Portugal or England are to go all the way this year, they’ll have to go through the South Americans in Ferguson’s eyes.
Roy Keane Disagrees With Fergie… Again
Ferguson and his former captain Roy Keane are known to not see eye-to-eye on many things these days. That’s exactly the case when it comes to their respective World Cup predictions.
You scored
out of 20
Instead of Brazil, Keane is backing France, Spain and Argentina as the front-runners to win the competition. Over in the United States as an ITV pundit, the Irishman predicted:
“The French, that squad’s fantastic. Spanish, with the conditions over there, the way they look after the ball and how brilliant they were at the Euros, if they can back that up, which I’m sure they can.
“I’m going to throw Argentina in there as well. Obviously, one of the South Americans will always turn up.”
-
Sports1 day agoLewis Hamilton’s Awkward Response to Kimi Antonelli Trolling Kim Kardashian
-
Sports1 day agoFox Break FIFA Broadcasting Rule During Mexico v South Africa
-
Sports21 hours ago12 Hardest Football Competitions to Win [Ranked]
-
Sports20 hours agoReferee Michael Oliver Out of 2026 World Cup Match Due to Injury
-
Sports1 day agoEngland Fan Denied World Cup Access After Breaking Trump Rule
-
Sports2 days agoGary Neville and Roy Keane Slam the US For Banning World Cup Referee
-
Sports11 hours ago‘Mistaken Identity’ VAR Check Seen For First Time at 2026 World Cup
-
Sports10 hours agoClint Dempsey Slams Canada Boss Jesse Marsch on Live TV



