Salah’s Struggles Highlight Woes in Liverpool’s Title Defense

omidbasir- Mohamed Salah’s reintegration into the Liverpool starting lineup was anticipated to provide the impetus needed for Arne Slot to rejuvenate a faltering title defense. Instead, it has underscored a troubling trend, suggesting that the presence of the Egyptian forward is no longer a reliable guarantee for earning points. Following his return from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah was reinserted into the squad for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth, which ended in a 3-2 defeat.

This loss has thrust Salah into the record books for all the wrong reasons, marking a significant downturn in his recent performances. He has now suffered defeats in seven of his last eight Premier League starts, a staggering statistic for a player who has been synonymous with relentless success during the previous management and the initial phases of Slot’s tenure. Rather than acting as a catalyst for a revival, Salah has become a common factor in a dismal run that has seen Liverpool fall out of the top four, effectively relinquishing their title.

The last time a Liverpool player experienced such a dismal streak of results in starting matches was nearly 14 years ago, reflecting a worrying decline. Salah has now equaled an unwanted record set by Dirk Kuyt between February and May 2012. Kuyt, a dedicated Dutch player and fan favorite known for his crucial goals, faced a similar fate during his final eight appearances for the club. Under the guidance of Kenny Dalglish, that period saw Liverpool win the League Cup but falter in the league, ultimately finishing in eighth place. To have Salah compared to that struggling 2012 side raises questions about the current standards at the club, leaving fans anxious that this statistic does not foreshadow a similar endpoint for their current star.

The situation becomes even more concerning when viewed against the backdrop of the discord that has enveloped Anfield in recent months. Salah’s return was intended to mark a tentative reconciliation following a turbulent public fallout with head coach Slot late last year. Their relationship reached a critical juncture just prior to the Africa Cup of Nations, when Salah voiced his frustrations in a candid interview, stating he had “no relationship” with the Dutch manager after being benched for three consecutive matches. He felt scapegoated during a disappointing winter stretch, claiming the club had “thrown him under the bus” amid the team’s collective struggles.

Despite being reintegrated for a midweek Champions League victory over Marseille, the recent defeat against Bournemouth has reopened old wounds. This result leaves Liverpool with just five wins from their last 18 Premier League matches—an alarming trend that has seen their title defense collapse and their hopes for a top-four finish erode.

For head coach Slot, this statistic presents a significant challenge. He is currently contending with a defensive injury crisis, missing key players like Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni for the long term. However, the pressing concern now lies with Salah and the overall attacking unit. Although Salah is one of the world’s most prolific finishers, the team appears to lack balance when he is in the lineup, leading to defensive vulnerabilities that opponents are exploiting without mercy.

Currently positioned sixth in the table and trailing the top four by two points, Slot must devise a strategy to address the issues surrounding Salah ahead of their next Premier League clash with Newcastle.