'Miles off': Liverpool hero offers UNFLATTERING Arne Slot verdict after Man City trouncing

Liverpool thought they had turned a corner following strong wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid.

But their momentum came to a juddering halt on Sunday at the Etihad. Arne Slot’s side may be the Premier League’s defending champions but they were second-best against Manchester City in Pep Guardiola’s 1000th match as a manager.

Pep’s team solidified their status as Premier League contenders with an emphatic 3-0 win against the Reds. The Anfield side have now lost FIVE of their last six Premier League game and all of their last four on the road.

Liverpool suffering after summer spending spree

They couldn’t be in worse shape heading towards the international window - languishing in a lowly eighth place. And it’s made all the more profound when you consider the money spent on this squad over the summer.

Sporting director Richard Hughes spent around £450m on new talent - including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in British record deals. But a quick start from Hugo Ekitike aside, none of the summer signings have hit their marks.

Increasingly Slot is coming to rely once again on the core group which secured the title last season - and that of course comes with its own pitfalls.

Sturridge: Liverpool were miles off it

Liverpool looked tired on Sunday - a point picked up by Daniel Sturridge - the former Liverpool striker - on Sky Sports commentary. He noticed that Guardiola’s side were better all over the pitch - condemning Slot to his worst Premier League defeat.

That is a resounding judgement against the Dutch tactician - who was bested in the battle by Guardiola.

"Tactically, they outdid Liverpool today,” Sturridge said. “The way they pressed was magnificent, they caused a big problem for Liverpool's build-up.

"The performances of the Liverpool players? They were miles off what they're used to be. If they're honest with themselves, they're going to know they haven't played at their level.

"Man City were magnificent."

Next up for Liverpool are Nottingham Forest following the international break before a testing Champions League encounter against PSV.

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