Liverpool suffered a crushing defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday evening, marking the end of a long domestic trophy drought for the Magpies. Despite their valiant effort against Paris Saint-Germain in the midweek Champions League exit, Liverpool’s performance at Wembley was disjointed, error-ridden, and uninspiring, leaving manager Arne Slot with much to ponder.
Once again, Liverpool’s forwards failed to deliver in a crucial match, raising questions about the club’s transfer strategy. Federico Chiesa, who scored a late consolation goal, was the only attacking addition in the post-Jürgen Klopp era. With players like Diogo Jota struggling in the final third, the club’s transfer committee, led by Richard Hughes, faces a period of reflection.
Diogo Jota’s Worrying Form
Jota’s recent performances have been a cause for concern. The Portuguese striker, usually reliable in front of goal, has now gone ten games without scoring. His latest display against Newcastle was particularly disappointing, as he squandered a golden opportunity to equalize before halftime. Sky Germany recently reported that the 28-year-old is among the players considered expendable by FSG this summer. With his instincts and sharpness seemingly fading, Jota’s place in Slot’s long-term plans is in doubt.
Mohamed Salah’s Struggles
Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, has been a standout performer this season, but his recent displays have been underwhelming. After an emotional exit from the Champions League, Salah failed to make an impact in the Carabao Cup final. He recorded zero shots, zero key passes, and just 23 touches in 90 minutes, earning a dismal 3/10 rating from the Liverpool Echo. This was arguably one of his worst performances in a Liverpool shirt.
Despite his incredible season stats—32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions—Salah’s inability to shine in crucial matches has dented his Ballon d’Or chances. With competitors like Raphinha, Kylian Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé closing in, Salah’s recent struggles may have cost him the prestigious accolade.
Liverpool’s Broader Issues
While Salah’s performance was a low point, Liverpool’s problems extend beyond one player. The entire frontline has been misfiring, with Darwin Núñez, Jota, and Luis Díaz combining for just one goal in their last ten matches. This lack of firepower makes Liverpool’s 12-point lead in the Premier League all the more remarkable but also highlights significant gaps in the squad.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup defeat and Champions League exit have exposed vulnerabilities in the team. Slot and the transfer committee must address these issues in the upcoming transfer window if the club is to maintain its dominance in English football. For now, the Reds must regroup and focus on securing the Premier League title, while reflecting on what could have been in the cup competitions.
