Liverpool's 2-1 home loss to Manchester City was a brutal snapshot of their decline. A second-half Szoboszlai masterpiece briefly revived memories of their title win, but Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland's late goals sealed an eighth league defeat. They now sit five points off fourth place, turning Champions League qualification into a desperate scramble.

This collapse from champions is staggering. Liverpool won the title by a 10-point margin last season but are now closer to the relegation zone. They've dropped a league-high 8 points in stoppage time and earned fewer points than Fulham and Brighton over 20 games. A £450 million summer spend has not built a resilient squad, with injuries to key players like Alexander Isak exposing fatal lack of depth.

The unshakeable belief Jürgen Klopp instilled is evaporating. Anfield's deflation after City's equaliser was palpable. While injuries and officiating controversies played a part, Arne Slot must shoulder blame for failing to sustain dominance. His biggest task now is restoring fan faith, but with each passing result, that challenge feels increasingly impossible.