£45m Liverpool flop appears to be like as completed as Salah & Van Dijk after Man Metropolis

Liverpool fell to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in opposition to Manchester Metropolis on the Etihad this afternoon, subsequently placing an finish to their possibilities of securing the FA Cup.

Arne Slot’s aspect have been merely outclassed by Pep Guardiola’s males this afternoon, which has little doubt mounted additional strain on the shoulders of the Dutchman.

A hat-trick from Erling Haaland and an inch-perfect chip from Antoine Semenyo secured the victory for the hosts, with the Reds unable to reside with their high quality all through.

Mohamed Salah had the chance to get the aspect on the scoresheet, however the Egyptian winger had his penalty kick saved by James Trafford – summing up the dismal show in Manchester.

It was a day to overlook for a number of gamers who began the encounter, with their beginning roles underneath Slot definitely turning into underneath big strain week after week.

Salah & Van Dijk’s shows in opposition to Man Metropolis

As beforehand talked about, winger Salah as soon as once more endured a day to overlook for Liverpool, along with his missed penalty kick within the second half simply the tip of the iceberg.

The soon-to-depart attacker additionally managed to finish simply 50% of the dribbles he’s tried, while additionally dropping 50% of the bottom duels that he entered.

He additionally did not create a single probability for any of his teammates, while additionally making none of his 13 passes into the ultimate third – additional highlighting his lack of creativity.

Centre-back Virgil van Dijk additionally endured a torrid afternoon on the Etihad, with the Dutchman making a gift of a penalty within the first half after being adjudged to have fouled Nico O’Reilly.

The 34-year-old additionally did not make a single sort out and misplaced 100% of the bottom duels he entered – subsequently being unable to get anyplace close to the host’s attackers.

Different stats, reminiscent of two fouls dedicated and simply two headed clearances, showcase the struggles he endured in opposition to Metropolis – in what was an uncharacteristically poor show from the defender.

The Liverpool star who appears to be like completed underneath Slot

After their exit from the FA Cup earlier this afternoon, Liverpool’s solely lifelike probability of securing a trophy this season would be the Champions League.

Nevertheless, if they’re to say one other European trophy, they must someway get previous the present defending champions, PSG, throughout the upcoming quarter-finals.

Questions will little doubt be requested about Slot’s long-term future within the position, with the drop off from final season’s title-winning marketing campaign nothing wanting outstanding.

He was even-handed over £400m value of funds to bolster his ranks, however it seems that his mammoth spending has had a destructive impact, given the current outcomes.

The supervisor’s crew choice has additionally left many baffled, with the Dutchman handing Joe Gomez a begin at right-back in opposition to the menacing Jeremy Doku.

The Englishman massively struggled throughout the defeat on the Etihad this afternoon, that includes for 62 minutes earlier than being changed by Jeremie Frimpong.

He was consistently run ragged by the Metropolis winger, failing to win any of his two tackles, whereas solely managing to return out on high in simply 4 floor duels.

Gomez additionally managed to finish simply 22 passes throughout the assembly in Manchester, with solely certainly one of his efforts being accomplished to a teammate inside the last third.

He additionally solely registered 46 touches of the ball, subsequently dropping possession on 11 events – leading to him giving the ball away as soon as each 4.1 touches.

After such a efficiency, it’s evident that Gomez is now not a participant who’s able to performing on the high stage, with the hierarchy needing to maneuver him on this summer time.

Salah’s departure this summer time might kickstart a wanted rebuild at Anfield forward of 2026/27, with the Englishman – who was linked with a £45m transfer to Newcastle United in 2024 – additionally needing to be a participant who’s sacrificed.

It could little doubt be an emotional sale given his long-standing affiliation with the Reds, however finally, it’s a name that must be made for the perfect of the membership.

If the Reds are to battle on the high of the Premier League as soon as once more subsequent time period, key selections should be made by the board, with Gomez’s departure one which must be accomplished.