Overview

• Liverpool’s losses to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea mark the first three-game skid of Arne Slot’s tenure.
• Ibrahima Konaté’s quad issue is under evaluation for France duty, Wataru Endo has pulled out of Japan’s squad with a muscle problem, and Andy Robertson’s post-match hobble raises concern even as he stays with Scotland.
• Coverage highlights a breakdown in Liverpool’s pressing and recurring isolation of centre-backs, with midfield protection and intensity falling short of last season’s standards.
• The summer overhaul is still bedding in, with Florian Wirtz yet to register a goal or assist after nine appearances and the team adjusting to life without Trent Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking from right-back.
• Public scrutiny has intensified, with Wayne Rooney questioning Mohamed Salah’s defensive work and Tony Cascarino calling Conor Bradley ‘reckless,’ as Slot uses the international break to reset before hosting Manchester United on October 19.