The early stages of the Premier League season have been a source of bewilderment for Liverpool supporters, a paradox of positive results masking underlying performance concerns. Arne Slot’s side has often secured victories despite displays that haven’t consistently inspired confidence. However, recent setbacks, including defeats to Crystal Palace and a comprehensive thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, have brought those anxieties to the forefront.
The loss to Crystal Palace appeared to be a turning point, initiating a string of consecutive defeats that cast a shadow over Liverpool’s title aspirations. A subsequent victory against Aston Villa offered a brief respite, but the encounter with Manchester City served as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The 3-0 defeat raised questions about Liverpool’s ability to compete with the league’s elite.
Amidst this fluctuating form, former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has maintained a surprisingly optimistic outlook. Despite acknowledging the team’s struggles, Pennant believes Liverpool remains capable of challenging for the Premier League title. He emphasized the marathon nature of the season, pointing out that with 38 games to play, there is ample opportunity for points to be gained and lost by all contenders.
“Looking at points you could say that look, oh the league’s still there, still a chance on points,” Pennant told Inside Liverpool on talkSPORT. “Eight points after 11 games is nothing when you’ve got to play 38 and the big teams have got to play each other and we’ve still got to play Arsenal, Arsenal have got to go to the Etihad. So there is going to be points shifting left and right.”
Pennant’s assessment highlights a key characteristic of the current Premier League landscape: increased unpredictability. Unlike previous seasons where dominant teams consistently swept aside their opponents, the gap between the top clubs and the rest of the division has narrowed. Smaller teams are now more capable of taking points off the traditional powerhouses, creating a more competitive and volatile environment.
This shift in dynamics, according to Pennant, could play to Liverpool’s advantage. If they can avoid costly slip-ups against teams in the bottom half of the table, they have a realistic chance of climbing back up the standings. “There are other teams now who are going to take points off the big teams because the league’s got better. So points wise it’s still favourable, like, we’ve got a chance,” he continued.
However, the recent performances of key players are also under scrutiny. Alexis Mac Allister, in particular, has faced criticism from some Liverpool fans. Following the defeat to Manchester City, concerns were voiced about his impact on the pitch, with some questioning his current form. The midfielder’s struggles have been a talking point, with some observers suggesting he appears to be lacking sharpness.
Pennant himself didn’t hold back in his assessment of Mac Allister’s performance against Manchester City, questioning his contribution and even asking, “What’s wrong with his legs?” This blunt critique underscores the growing frustration among supporters who expected more from the Argentine international following his arrival at Anfield.
The issues surrounding Mac Allister’s performance are not new. Reports surfaced earlier in the season, as early as , indicating that fans were already expressing their dissatisfaction with his displays. A TikTok video posted on further explored the reasons behind his unsettled performance, suggesting a deeper issue than simply a temporary dip in form.
While Mac Allister did convert a penalty against Manchester City – a moment captured on YouTube and dating back to – it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome of the match. The goal, while a positive contribution, did little to quell the concerns surrounding his overall impact.
Liverpool’s path to a potential league triumph will undoubtedly be challenging. They face tough upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and a return match against Manchester City. The ability to consistently perform at a high level, particularly from key players like Mac Allister, will be crucial. The Premier League’s unpredictable nature, however, offers a glimmer of hope. As Pennant rightly points out, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and Liverpool’s fate is far from sealed.
The coming months will be a defining period for Liverpool. Whether they can overcome their current inconsistencies and mount a serious title challenge remains to be seen. But with a resilient squad and a league where anything is possible, Arne Slot’s team still has a fighting chance.
