Roy Keane insists Liverpool are in crisis after producing a "weak" performance in defeat at Man City, while Gary Neville thought they looked like a team "there to be beaten" after Arne Slot's side succumbed to fifth Premier League defeat of the season at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool were second best at the Etihad, swept aside by goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and the outstanding Jeremy Doku, with Haaland missing a penalty to boot, as City put their hand up as Arsenal's nearest challengers for the Premier League title.
The Reds, however, fell to a fifth defeat in 11 games to start this Premier League season and a seventh loss in 11 in all competitions.
The defending champions are already eight points behind leaders Arsenal after a tame display in Manchester with Keane saying it really is crisis time at Liverpool.
"I think it is crisis time for Liverpool," Keane told Sky Sports.
"It's okay to lose to a club like Man City - it's a tough place to come. But to lose seven in 10 - five league losses already - It has to be a crisis for a club like Liverpool.
"I thought Liverpool looked like a really weak team today," he added.
"The manager said he was pleased with the second half, but the game was over! It's easy to play well when you're not playing for anything.
"I thought [Slot's] assessment of the game was spot on. City looked stronger, technically better and more physical than Liverpool today.
"[Liverpool] still had moments, they've always got quality, but the goals they're giving away - their decision-making - was not good enough.
"There was a lack of intensity, a lack of energy. The subs, when they came on, looked really soft.
"I think it is a crisis for Liverpool."
'Liverpool there to be beaten'
Gary Neville also raised concerns regarding Liverpool's physicality at the Etihad and described Slot's men as a team that was "there to be beaten".
Speaking during the game on co-commentary, Neville said: "Liverpool have played without confidence.
"They look leggy. Physically, they look well off it. Sluggish.
"Sometimes you can tell a team is there to be beaten.
"Liverpool's legs are gone. They cannot get out. It is so, so poor. Van Dijk just lets it hit him. Really strange.
"They have lost every battle and it is really worrying."
Yezabdlmpy
0
take out vvd
zobelmpy
0
This Liverpool of the season is not the reds we know they are really lacking a lot especially in midfield the only pillar in the team is slobozslai
zumknprstz
1
what happen to Salah?? Luckily, I already dropped him from my FPL.
Vudbmopsuy
0
Ref destroyed the game
I ca n feel your pain cry baby last season Liverpool did not place blame on the officials or the manager because they were dominating the league
Vudbmopsuy
1
if they loose a game everyone come out to rain insult on them, they defeated real Madrid and everyone said otherwise, don't not just support when they win but also when they loose. they are humans for crying out loud , and don't forget they just won the league last season and they can't always win matches.
Well said can’t win all this is the game of football
Pizceimsz
1
Buy Ishak 100+ million to warm the bench...hahahahaah
Pizceimsz
0
VVD...time is over...sell him to JDT
Pizceimsz
0
This Keane I didn't hear a word from him yesterday
because u sleeping
viudimtuz
2
sackkk the coach hhhhhh, he can't listennnb
Singapore2899541
0
if they loose a game everyone come out to rain insult on them, they defeated real Madrid and everyone said otherwise, don't not just support when they win but also when they loose. they are humans for crying out loud , and don't forget they just won the league last season and they can't always win matches.
Lousy manager, just bench salah and win games
johbilstu
1
if they loose a game everyone come out to rain insult on them, they defeated real Madrid and everyone said otherwise, don't not just support when they win but also when they loose. they are humans for crying out loud , and don't forget they just won the league last season and they can't always win matches.
last season because of klopp experience team
johbilstu
2
better sack slot, giving him the best player he also don't know how to fill up with their best position of each player. last season he can won the tiltle is because of the klopp experience team. this slot totally know how to used the money to buy a new player but he also not sure how to bring out his player ability. playing formation and position.
Juaacelnpt
1
any how buy, no planning, now you learn your failure lesson
zumknprstz
2
only Spurs can beat Man city at Etihad...
Litelntz
0
I think the Umpire was set out to really destroy the game from the off, and he did it perfectly. That's not to exonerate the Kops, anyway.
this ain't cricket bro tf umpire
Sasabces
1
if they loose a game everyone come out to rain insult on them, they defeated real Madrid and everyone said otherwise, don't not just support when they win but also when they loose. they are humans for crying out loud , and don't forget they just won the league last season and they can't always win matches.
why don't you people say the same for man u
Jipaeklmp
2
if they loose a game everyone come out to rain insult on them, they defeated real Madrid and everyone said otherwise, don't not just support when they win but also when they loose. they are humans for crying out loud , and don't forget they just won the league last season and they can't always win matches.
Thepudlian
3
This Keane I didn't hear a word from him yesterday
TalataSheriff
1
Liverpool is not in crisis, it is the coach that mixed up the team with that him ugly formation that can't work at in the team but still forcing it and anytime he use that system they can beat Liverpool instead of using 4-3-3 formation because Liverpool is good at attacking and they gain good midfielders to attack and they always win like that but this coach is too stubborn he can't listen.
wusbmnrsz
1
Same shitty pundits were calling to hand Li VAR fool title if they sign ISAK [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
wihacklpuz
4
the coach is totally outta line.. you have 30minis left to play, and you bring out your striker and play with any man infrint the goal. u are down 2 and yet you making decisions like you are up two.. this Guy isn't good at all.. I think Liverpool won the league because of Kopp built up.
Sasckmprsy
0
The refree and VAR ought not have disallowed excellent goal from Virgil. Such could be demoralizing to players
Olilatonny95
7
was Man City also playing low blocks with long passes??????? or no excuse today
jabiklmpz
2
I think the Umpire was set out to really destroy the game from the off, and he did it perfectly. That's not to exonerate the Kops, anyway.
Belatsch
1
Ref destroyed the game
Feilds
4
Clueless pundits always running their mouths like they can manage a team .. tssuuiipp !!!