Liverpool's defensive woes deepen, Arsenal face Villa test

Liverpool travel to Leeds this weekend with mounting questions over whether Arne Slot can stop the rot, while inform Aston Villa take aim at Premier League leaders Arsenal.

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Slot's defending champions are showing an alarming vulnerability at the back, with the poor form of captain Virgil van Dijk a growing cause for concern.

It is a different story for watertight Arsenal but the Gunners face a tricky trip to Unai Emery's Villa.

Van Dijk errors mount: Mohamed Salah's faltering form has been a major talking point during Liverpool's dramatic collapse but Virgil van Dijk is now also firmly in the firing line.

The club’s success in tying down two of their modern greats on new contracts in April was seen as a major coup.

But there is growing unease over Van Dijk’s displays at the heart of a creaking defence.

Former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney said in October that Van Dijk’s body language was a “big concern” and that he had failed to lead the team this season.

The Dutchman, 34, gave away a penalty with a handball in Liverpool's 4-1 home defeat by PSV Eindhoven last week — the third he has conceded in all competitions this season.