Live updates from Fabrizio Romano report that Phil Neville was highly critical of Liverpool’s lackluster performance against a dominant Arsenal side. In his post-match analysis, Neville expressed disappointment in the team’s effort, stating they were fortunate to escape with a draw. He also warned manager Arne Slot that this should serve as a serious wake-up call.
“Liverpool were completely dominated by Arsenal—they only have themselves to blame,” Neville stated. “Honestly, they’re lucky to walk away with a draw. This should be a wake-up call for Arne Slot, too. He’s fortunate to have inherited a well-structured team from Jurgen Klopp; otherwise, they would have definitely lost. It was a poor performance all around, and a game to reflect on.”
In the match, Arsenal controlled the pace and pressured Liverpool for much of the game. Although Mohamed Salah’s late goal salvaged a point for Liverpool, Neville emphasized that the result should not overshadow the team’s underlying issues.
Neville’s remarks resonated with many fans, who echoed similar frustrations on social media. There was a shared sentiment that Liverpool underperformed, with some labeling it as one of the worst displays during Slot’s tenure. This critique comes at a pivotal moment for Slot, who has had some positive results since taking over from Klopp, but the performance against Arsenal highlighted weaknesses that need urgent attention if Liverpool aims to stay competitive for a top-four finish.
Neville underscored the need for Slot to avoid complacency, acknowledging the solid foundation left by Klopp. “The structure and resilience are still there thanks to Klopp, but Slot has to be careful not to rely on that too heavily,” he said. “The players need to start showing more fight and quality on the pitch, or else this could indicate deeper problems.”
Despite managing to avoid defeat, it was clear that Arsenal had the upper hand, leading many to believe they deserved all three points. Liverpool’s lack of creativity, defensive errors, and failure to maintain possession against Arsenal’s pressing left them looking vulnerable. This result has raised concerns, with Neville’s critique serving as a sobering reminder.
Looking ahead, the responsibility now lies with Slot and his coaching staff to address these issues before they escalate. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can rebound from this wake-up call or if Neville’s warnings will prove to be prescient. Fans and pundits alike are left wondering if the team can regain its form and consistency under their new manager.
