Liverpool’s season hit a new low on Wednesday as they succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield, marking their first home loss in the Champions League group stage in 14 matches. The defeat, their ninth in 12 games across all competitions, sees Arne Slot’s side drop to 13th in the league phase standings with nine points.
Couhaib Driouech was the star for the visitors, scoring twice off the bench, while Ivan Perisic and Guus Til also found the net to secure a famous victory for the Dutch champions, who moved up to 15th in the table.
The hosts endured a disastrous start when captain Virgil van Dijk conceded a penalty in the sixth minute for a handball, allowing Perisic to convert from the spot. Although Dominik Szoboszlai equalized ten minutes later, tapping in after Matej Kovar parried a Cody Gakpo shot, Liverpool failed to capitalize on their momentum.
Despite registering 26 attempts to PSV’s nine, including a Van Dijk header that struck the crossbar, the Reds were wasteful in front of goal and fragile at the back.
PSV regained the lead in the 56th minute through Til, who finished a incisive move orchestrated by Mauro Junior. The visitors extended their advantage in the final stages, exposing Liverpool's defensive frailties.
Driouech tapped in a rebound after Ricardo Pepi’s shot hit the post in the 73rd minute and added a second in stoppage time to complete the rout.
Manager Arne Slot admitted his shock at the team's collapse but insisted he retains the backing of the club's hierarchy. "It is a shock for everyone... this is very, very unexpected," Slot said. "I am feeling safe, I am okay though."
However, the atmosphere at Anfield turned toxic, with many fans leaving early as the team conceded seven goals in two home matches following Saturday’s loss to Nottingham Forest. Midfielder Curtis Jones expressed the dressing room's despair, stating, "It’s just unacceptable. I don’t even have to wait to think about it. I’m past being angry inside."
Key players like Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah seem to be struggling for form, with injuries disrupting the squad, Liverpool faces a daunting task to arrest their slide and salvage their season both domestically and in Europe.