Boss Slot faces reality check at Liverpool

Liverpool started the season with seven straight wins as they threatened to sweep all before them but consecutive defeats underscore pressing issues that Arne Slot must address.

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The Reds travelled to Galatasaray on Tuesday eager to bounce back from their defeat at Crystal Palace at the weekend, which ended their perfect record in the Premier League.

But a first-half penalty from Victor Osimhen put the home side ahead and Liverpool were unable to reply despite dominating possession and having 16 shots in Istanbul.

There is no reason for Slot to panic — Liverpool are still two points clear at the top of the Premier League and won their opening game in the Champions League league phase.

But a series of dramatic late winners have masked unconvincing performances since an expensive rebuild of the squad that strolled to the Premier League title last season, Slot’s first as manager of the club since replacing Juergen Klopp.

Liverpool uncharacteristically splashed out nearly £450 million on new signings as the club sought to build from a position of strength.

Florian Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million to sprinkle creative magic but the German has yet to score a goal or even register an assist in the Premier League or Champions League.