Liverpool's disastrous start to the season has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, sparking memories of other Premier League champions who failed to repeat their success in the subsequent campaign. The Reds' six defeats in 12 top-flight games mark one of the worst starts ever made by defending league title holders.
In fact, the last team to begin their title defence this poorly was Leicester City in 2016-17. They finished 12th that season, a far cry from their Premier League-winning campaign two years prior. Similarly, José Mourinho's Chelsea in 2015-16 suffered a dismal start, losing seven of their first 12 games and eventually being sacked midway through the season.
The transformation from champions to chaos has been stark for Liverpool, who just six months ago were hailed as heroes after winning the title with ease under Arne Slot. The Norwegian manager became the third-youngest person to win the Premier League in his first season, breaking records and making a splash on Anfield's shores.
However, the summer signing spree that brought in big-name players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz has backfired spectacularly. With a record-breaking £450m outlay, expectations were sky-high for this potent attack to break records and dominate competitions. Instead, Liverpool find themselves struggling to score, with top signings failing to make an impact in the league.
Their defensive frailties have been brutally exposed, conceding two or more goals in seven matches already and making their worst start at the back in 33 years. The once-impregnable fortress of Anfield has become a revolving door for opposition goals, raising concerns about the team's resilience under pressure.
Liverpool's fall is not without precedent, however. Nine of the last 15 champions have suffered a drop in points of at least 20 from the previous season. History serves as a stark reminder that glory in one season is no guarantee of dominance in the next.
For fans who had grown accustomed to the Reds' consistent success under Jürgen Klopp, this latest debacle has been an uncomfortable reality check. While it's tempting to want their manager back, it's worth remembering that even Klopp struggled with a poor title defence two years ago, when Liverpool plummeted to 69 points and suffered six consecutive home defeats.
Liverpool fans would do well to draw solace from their side's 2020-21 campaign, which saw them go unbeaten in their final 10 games of the season. However, for now, it seems they're stuck in a rut, struggling to find consistency on the pitch and facing long-term questions about their team's identity.
As the seasons progress, Liverpool will be forced to confront the harsh realities of their current state. Unless drastic measures are taken to address these issues, it's likely that this side will struggle to reclaim its former glory, leaving fans wondering what went wrong – and why their once-mighty Reds have become so ordinary.
In fact, the last team to begin their title defence this poorly was Leicester City in 2016-17. They finished 12th that season, a far cry from their Premier League-winning campaign two years prior. Similarly, José Mourinho's Chelsea in 2015-16 suffered a dismal start, losing seven of their first 12 games and eventually being sacked midway through the season.
The transformation from champions to chaos has been stark for Liverpool, who just six months ago were hailed as heroes after winning the title with ease under Arne Slot. The Norwegian manager became the third-youngest person to win the Premier League in his first season, breaking records and making a splash on Anfield's shores.
However, the summer signing spree that brought in big-name players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz has backfired spectacularly. With a record-breaking £450m outlay, expectations were sky-high for this potent attack to break records and dominate competitions. Instead, Liverpool find themselves struggling to score, with top signings failing to make an impact in the league.
Their defensive frailties have been brutally exposed, conceding two or more goals in seven matches already and making their worst start at the back in 33 years. The once-impregnable fortress of Anfield has become a revolving door for opposition goals, raising concerns about the team's resilience under pressure.
Liverpool's fall is not without precedent, however. Nine of the last 15 champions have suffered a drop in points of at least 20 from the previous season. History serves as a stark reminder that glory in one season is no guarantee of dominance in the next.
For fans who had grown accustomed to the Reds' consistent success under Jürgen Klopp, this latest debacle has been an uncomfortable reality check. While it's tempting to want their manager back, it's worth remembering that even Klopp struggled with a poor title defence two years ago, when Liverpool plummeted to 69 points and suffered six consecutive home defeats.
Liverpool fans would do well to draw solace from their side's 2020-21 campaign, which saw them go unbeaten in their final 10 games of the season. However, for now, it seems they're stuck in a rut, struggling to find consistency on the pitch and facing long-term questions about their team's identity.
As the seasons progress, Liverpool will be forced to confront the harsh realities of their current state. Unless drastic measures are taken to address these issues, it's likely that this side will struggle to reclaim its former glory, leaving fans wondering what went wrong – and why their once-mighty Reds have become so ordinary.
, but they're just having a super tough season right now, you know? They spent like, a billion pounds on new players and it's just not working out 
. I'm talking to myself here, but I think it's true that the summer signings haven't been as great as everyone expected. Alexander Isak is a nice player and all, but he's not exactly setting the world on fire in the league 
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. But at the same time, I know that teams can turn it around if they just adjust their strategy or make some key changes to the squad. I mean, Leicester City did it in 2017, so maybe Liverpool can do it too? 
. Nine out of 15 champions have had a drop in points and it's just really tough to repeat success, you know? Even Klopp struggled with it two years ago... I guess what I'm saying is that it's hard to predict what's going to happen next 
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they splurged on some big-name players but it seems like they're not making an impact at all... and their defense is super weak 
what happened to arne slot's magic with jürgen klopp?? maybe they need a new manager or something 
They must be totally gutted after their great season last year was followed by such a dismal start to this one 
And yeah, I can see why people are drawing comparisons to other teams that failed to repeat their success - it's not just Liverpool, it's a Premier League thing right now 
Still, I'm sure the fans are just waiting for the team to turn things around and get back to their usual selves 
and now they're struggling so bad it's crazy how far they've fallen 
6 defeats in 12 games is insane, even jose mourinho had a rough start back in 2015-16 
but you know what really hurts it's that they spent 450m on summer signings and still can't score lol Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are not impressing 
6 defeats in 12 games is straight up disastrous u can look at all the other champs who didnt repeat last season n they got thumped 
anfield which used to be untouchable is now a toilet 
Klopp may not be perfect either remember when he had a bad title defence in 21? 
anfield used to be a fortress but now it's like a sieve 
️ jose mourinho was sacked after 6 games at chelsea, liverpool fans should learn from their mistakes 
. Leicester City in 2016-17 and Chelsea in 2015-16 come to mind 
. Those teams showed that it's not impossible to fall off a high, but you gotta address your weaknesses ASAP 
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. And with the right changes, LFC can get back on track 
. Fingers crossed for the Reds! 
Well, I'm reading all the same vibes from Liverpool right now.
- you know, at first it's all about balance and falling off, but eventually you get the hang of it! 
. I'm not sure what the solution is, but hopefully Klopp can sort things out and get them back on track 
. Maybe it's just the natural order of things? Either way, I'm sure Liverpool will figure something out soon