Shocking Liverpool Numbers Reveal Arne Slot's Fatal Weakness
Liverpool have become a mere reflection of the team that ruled the Premier League last season under Arne Slot's second year at the helm.
The Merseysiders cruised to Premier League success in the Dutch coach's inaugural season, securing the title in late April and concluding the campaign ten points clear of second-place Arsenal. Jürgen Klopp's exit sparked concerns, but Slot's immediate triumph eased worries on Merseyside.
Nevertheless, Slot's sophomore season difficulties have provided painful watching. Liverpool abandoned their customary transfer approach during the summer as they splashed cash on marquee signings and accumulated a record Premier League expenditure of nearly £450 million, yet it has distanced them from their championship aspirations.
Liverpool's crushing loss at Manchester City prior to the international interval exemplified a season-long decline, with luck rather than ability benefiting them early in the campaign. The Reds sit eight points behind table-toppers Arsenal with minimal signs of immediate recovery.
The Reds have battled against the pace and aggression of their opponents throughout the season, performing with a mere fraction of the energy they've been celebrated for in recent campaigns. One telling statistic encapsulates their decline.
Liverpool's Intensity Struggles
Liverpool have been recognized for their high-energy style since Klopp revitalized the dormant Reds in the mid-2010s. Slot's appointment signaled a shift toward a more controlled methodology, but Liverpool's intensity remained among their primary assets last season.
In 2024–25, according to The Times, Liverpool recorded 177 presses per match in the Premier League. Yet in 2025–26 thus far, they have managed only 141 presses per game, representing a decline of 20.4% from the previous season.
Their 2025–26 pressing figures are the poorest in the Premier League, though it's noteworthy that Arsenal's 147 presses per match ranks second-lowest in England's elite division while they currently top the standings.
Liverpool are executing 36 fewer presses per match on average, however, and, unlike Arsenal who maintain identical pressing levels from last season, that decrease is the second-greatest in the league—trailing only Crystal Palace, who have already defeated the Reds thrice this campaign.
Considering Liverpool's intensity has been fundamental to their achievements over the last decade, their drop in energy output will surely worry Slot and his coaching team. Reduced pressure on possession has undeniably made them more vulnerable and exposed to quick passes behind their backline.
The defending champions must tackle their disappointing pressing metrics if they hope to salvage their season.