Preview: Time is Running Out for Arne Slot as Liverpool face West Ham United

The Reds currently sit 13th in the Premier League table...

Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure, once so full of promise, is now veering dangerously close to a tipping point. Just months removed from a title-winning campaign, the Dutchman finds himself under growing pressure following back-to-back humiliations at Anfield. Losses to Nottingham Forest and PSV are just the latest blows of a run of nine defeats in 12 games across all competitions.

Now comes a trip to West Ham United, a fixture that would have inspired little concern in previous seasons. But under Nuno Espirito Santo, the Hammers have rediscovered their bite, taking seven points from their last three games. Given the form of both teams, anything short of a convincing Liverpool performance will only deepen the scrutiny on Slot’s future.

West Ham’s Revival Under Nuno

Earlier this season, West Ham appeared destined for another relegation scrap. Graeme Potter’s brief tenure had them sinking fast, bereft of structure or spirit. Nuno’s arrival has changed that. In the short span of a few weeks, he has re-energised a team that had been leaking goals and devoid of ideas.

Victories over Newcastle and Burnley and a resilient draw away at Bournemouth reflect a team on the rise. There’s now clear intent in their play, more aggression in their pressing, and crucially, a plan that is starting to stick. Players like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá are thriving again, while Callum Wilson, with three goals in his last two games, is beginning to look like the forward that West Ham need to climb the table.

Liverpool’s Identity Crisis Deepens

Liverpool, on the other hand, are caught in a haze of tactical confusion and underperformance. There is no clear identity, no rhythm to their football, and most worryingly, no visible progress. They look like a team that no longer appears to know what it’s trying to achieve.

At the heart of the problem is Slot himself. He has stuck rigidly to the same line-ups and systems, despite them clearly not working. The lack of rotation, the repetitive mistakes in defence, and the strange tactical set-ups have cost Liverpool dearly in recent weeks. For all the injuries and selection dilemmas, the reluctance to adapt or experiment has left the team become far too predictable.

The right-back situation is a perfect example. With both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley sidelined, Slot has opted to use midfielders out of position, rather than use a Joe Gomez, who has played tens of games at right-back previously and would add height and physicality to a weak side.

The Isak Dilemma and a Blunt Attack

Up front, Liverpool’s problems are compounded by the disjointed integration of big-money striker Alexander Isak. Signed to be the focal point of a new-look attack, he has looked lost and isolated, barely getting on the ball and making little impact in the final third.

Much of this is down to the system. Isak thrives on service, particularly from wide areas. At Newcastle, he had Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy creating for him. At Liverpool, he’s flanked by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, who both drift inside and play more for themselves than for their centre-forward. There’s no width, no crosses, no service.

Isak’s lack of movement off the ball has also been a concern. He’s not making defenders work, not occupying centre-halves, and certainly not striking fear into opposition backlines. For £120 million, Liverpool should expect more than a ghost up top.

And it’s not just Isak. Gakpo looks ineffective. Salah, while still dangerous in flashes, offers next to nothing defensively and has increasingly become a luxury Liverpool can’t afford.

Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Jones, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Isak, Gakpo

Time Is Running Out for Arne Slot

Another defeat at the London Stadium could mark the beginning of the end for Arne Slot. After the embarrassing collapse against PSV, fan patience is wearing thin. Liverpool’s defending has been shambolic, with ten goals conceded in the last three games. Their midfield is too easily bypassed, and the attack is blunt and disorganised.

Yes, injuries have played a role. But other teams are managing them better. West Ham have had their own setbacks, yet they’ve adapted and grown stronger. Nuno has already built a team that plays with conviction, pressing high and attacking with pace and purpose. In contrast, Liverpool look like they are playing in slow motion.

Time is certainly running out for Arne Slot and before long, the hierarchy will have a huge decision to make.