From Top to Bottom: Multiple reasons in downfall of defending EPL Champions, Liverpool this season

Liverpool succumbed to yet another defeat, this time at the hands of Fulham 0-1 with a solitary strike from Lemina to make matters worse for Jurgen Klopp. This was Liverpool seventh loss in eight matches across all competitions and their sixth home defeat in succession in the 2020/21 season to pile on their misery.

In the space of Nine months since lifting their first Premier League title in June 2020, Liverpool have nosedived in their title defense and are placed 8^th in the league table with a gap of 22 points between them and Manchester City, the table toppers.

The slump by Liverpool has been dreadful to say the least and we analyze the reasons for the Champions disgraceful fall this season.

EPL Results: Lemina goal rise on occasion as Fulham beat Liverpool 1-0

Injuries- A big concern

Liverpool’s chances of defending their crown were massively dented with the loss of Gomez, Matip and their player of last season, Virgil Van Dijk all being out of the season. These three players were absolute key to Liverpool’s success last season and with them out, the core of their team has been hit.

The 2019/20 winners were able to keep their players fresh throughout last season as a result they went all the way and reigned supreme but this season has seen their top players consistently hit by injuries.

The recent injury to their captain, Henderson was the final nail in the coffin.

Lack of goals

Another reason for Liverpool’s dismal season is due to the lack of goals from their players. Salah is the only player this season who has contributed whole heartedly with 17 goals in the season, being the top scorer in the league.

Sadio Mane is the next best with 7 goals. This disparity between the two strikers shows the lack of goals and match winning contributions from Liverpool’s men up front.

Mane and Salah had scored 18 and 19 goals respectively last season which was the major reason for Liverpool’s triumph.

Lack of goals from Firmino has also played a big part in Liverpool’s downfall this season.

Worst home losing record since 1953

Liverpool’s loss against Fulham was their sixth consecutive defeat at Anfield and was their seventh in eight matches across all competitions.

This defeat extends their record run of losses in a row and marks the first time since 1953-54 when Liverpool lost as many matches at home in a single season.

Salah- One Man show

Winning titles and championships requires consistency and continuous contributions from all players, which Liverpool have lacked this season.

In defending their crown, Liverpool have had only one player in Salah who has looked apart from the rest of the team scoring 17 goals in the Premier League this season and 24 goals across all competitions this season.

The dry up of goals from other team mates has been the shot in the arm for Jurgen Klopp and will need rectification soon as Liverpool still have a Champions League campaign to contest.

Liverpool have already conceded their title defeat and will need to sort out this slump quickly as they bid to come back and contest in the next season of the Premier League.