Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a sobering assessment of his team's Premier League title prospects following a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The loss, which occurred on November 9, 2025, leaves the reigning champions languishing in eighth position in the table. A victory would have propelled the Reds up to second place, but they now find themselves a significant eight points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Slot's Stark Reality Check
Speaking to the BBC after the final whistle, the Liverpool head coach was unequivocal in his dismissal of title talk. "The last thing I should speak about is the title race," Slot stated. "We have to focus on getting results. Result after result after result before we can even think about that."
He emphasised the current predicament facing his squad: "The reality is that we are eighth. One team is quite far ahead, although City are now four points away." Slot reiterated a familiar point from his first season in charge, noting that the table is best judged after 38 games, or at the very least, at the halfway point of 19 matches.
Controversy and City's Dominance
The match was not without controversy. When Liverpool were trailing 1-0, they believed they had equalised through a Virgil van Dijk header, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call against Andy Robertson.
Slot expressed his fury at the decision, telling reporters, "I cannot agree with the decision being made on that. For me that is a goal." He referenced a similar incident involving Manchester City from last season, questioning the consistency of the officiating. Despite his frustration, he conceded that City were "much better" on the day.
The Dutch manager pinpointed specific tactical difficulties his team faced, particularly with Manchester City's wingers. "We struggled with Doku on the inside and O'Reilly wide," Slot admitted, highlighting the influential performances of Jeremy Doku and young full-back Nico O'Reilly, who kept Mohamed Salah quiet throughout the match.
A Season's Promise Fading
This defeat marks a dramatic downturn for a Liverpool side that began the campaign in scintillating form, winning their opening five Premier League fixtures. However, a shocking dip has seen them secure just one victory in their last six top-flight outings, raising serious questions about their ability to mount a successful title defence.
While Slot refused to be drawn into discussions about the championship, the performance and the growing points gap to the top will be a major concern for everyone connected with Liverpool as the season approaches its busy winter period.
