Overview

• The champions slipped to second, one point behind Arsenal, after stoppage-time losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea and a Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
• Gary Lineker and Jamie Redknapp argue Liverpool are missing Alexander-Arnold’s creative influence, with Slot rotating Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and even Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back.
• Ibrahima Konate’s performances are under scrutiny with his contract expiring next summer and reports of Real Madrid interest, as Rio Ferdinand contends the transfer talk is driving scapegoating.
• Jamie Carragher rates Arsenal as stronger at this stage and cautions that Liverpool’s defensive issues could derail their title defense.
• Liverpool are weighing tactical tweaks and personnel changes during the break, with reported interest in Marc Guehi on a free next summer and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, while Florian Wirtz signals a preference to play as a No. 10.