Copyright dailystar
Jamie Carragher admitted that Liverpool are "in crisis time" after suffering a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat at Brentford to slip further behind table-toppers Arsenal . The Reds' flawless opening to the season now feels like ancient history , and their most recent setback leaves them trailing the Gunners by seven points as their defensive frailties were once again laid bare. Arne Slot's men had already endured back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Chelsea prior to the international break. Since returning to action, they've lost to Manchester United at Anfield before falling to Brentford at the weekend, who thoroughly deserved their victory. The Bees struck first and held a 2-1 advantage at the break before extending their lead on the hour mark, while Mo Salah's late strike wasn't enough to ensure a share of the spoils as the west London outfit ran out 3-2 winners. Liverpool's struggles have persisted, with the formula for defeating them becoming increasingly obvious to opponents. Their inability to cope with crosses and high balls into the penalty area has been ruthlessly exploited, and their former defender acknowledges they lack the tools to address this weakness. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher declared: "Losing four games in a row for Brentford would be a disaster. To see the champions do it with the expenditure in the summer means we're in crisis time for Liverpool right now. "There will be a lot of serious questions asked in the dressing room between the players and the coaching staff and the people above the manager. "When they've looked at what they've spent, they'll be looking for a lot more. Liverpool have to look at the physicality and height within their team because, right now, I don't think they have enough." Liverpool underwent wholesale changes following their title triumph in the summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez all moved on with more than £400million spent on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong - with the transition proving a challenge. Slot's side have lost a large element of control in matches and keeping goals out has become a major problem as a result. They've already conceded 14 times and Gary Neville insists the Liverpool manager needs to change something if results are to get back on track. "I like the manager and his way of working; there doesn't seem to be any panic," he said. "But he's going to have to interfere with this. It's a pattern of what they have become in this first two months of the season. "They must narrow that back four and be a bit more safe in the way they play. Don't open up as much, don't go forward as much, but allow that front three to win you games. It's not just a blip any more, it's becoming a concern."
