“It’s unforgivable” – Arne Slot sent major warning after Liverpool’s defeat to Man City | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Title Defence in Tatters After Man City Defeat: Honest Reactions from Gags Tandon and Jack McIndoe

Liverpool’s faltering Premier League campaign hit another low point following a 2-1 defeat to Man City at Anfield, a result that may all but end hopes of Champions League qualification. On the latest Anfield Index post-match show, Gags Tandon and Jack McIndoe delivered a searing, emotionally-charged analysis of the loss, the current squad, and Arne Slot’s leadership.

Collapse Under Pressure

“Just a second half capitulation,” Gags admitted, summing up the sense of déjà vu that has gripped Liverpool this season. “It was the fourth time Liverpool have conceded in stoppage time now,” he added, underlining a recurring issue with game management. Despite taking the lead through a moment of brilliance from Dominik Szoboszlai, the Reds relinquished control. “As soon as we went one nil up, we went and sat back,” lamented Gags, “and once we sit back, we’re not very good.”

The vulnerability at the back was brutally exposed by City. “Alisson’s probably cost us that more than anything,” Jack observed, citing the error that led to City’s penalty. Gags agreed, questioning, “What’s he going to do out there?” in reference to the Brazilian keeper’s rash decision-making.

Tactical Missteps and Selection Controversies

With Liverpool’s squad stretched, Slot’s selection choices came under intense scrutiny. “Curtis should be starting today,” Gags stated unequivocally. “Curtis controls games with footballs on,” he added, criticising the exclusion of Jones in favour of an out-of-form Cody Gakpo. “He was so bad again,” Gags said of Gakpo, describing a key moment when the Dutchman ignored Milos Kerkez’s overlapping run: “Kerkez must be screaming at him every single game.”

Jack was equally frustrated. “We didn’t even have a shot on target up until the fiftieth minute,” he said, pointing to the toothless first-half display. “City controlled the game,” he continued, highlighting their dominance in both possession and xG.

Mounting Pressure on Slot

While fan unrest around Arne Slot is rising, Gags believes the club hierarchy remains supportive—for now. “The message was quite clear this week in terms of the backing of Arne Slot,” he remarked. Still, he doesn’t see the manager surviving without major improvement. “If we don’t get Champions League football, it’s unforgivable,” Gags stressed, adding that key decision-makers like Richard Hughes “should go” if that target is missed.

Photo: IMAGO

The atmosphere around Slot is clearly deteriorating. “The fans don’t believe in him either,” Gags said, warning of a toxic environment at Anfield. Jack echoed this sentiment: “You don’t want it to get toxic, do you? But it’s going to get toxic.”

Bleak Outlook and Key Fixtures Ahead

The broader context is worrying. “We’ve won one league game this year,” Gags pointed out. “Chelsea and United have changed managers and they’ve won four matches on the bounce.” Looking ahead to Sunderland, both feared the worst. “We will get beat by Sunderland or drop points,” Jack predicted, noting their unbeaten home record.

Liverpool’s record against fellow top sides also came under the microscope. “Lost to City, lost to United, lost to Chelsea,” Gags said bluntly. “We’re woeful against any English club right now, especially the top.”

Even the idea of a Champions League rescue feels far-fetched. “You’re going to have to play City, Arsenal, Chelsea in those latter rounds,” Gags warned, “and we are woeful.”