Liverpool’s misery deepened on Friday night as Ollie Watkins admitted how easy the Reds have become to play against.
A difficult evening at Villa Park saw Liverpool produce another flat display, falling to a heavy 4-2 defeat as Unai Emery’s side secured Champions League qualification.
Ollie Watkins struck twice, taking his tally against Liverpool to eight – only Andy Cole and Harry Kane have scored more against the club.
When asked about facing Liverpool, Watkins gave a blunt assessment that will concern Arne Slot, highlighting just how vulnerable the Reds have become.
The Villa striker admitted: “They play a high line and they don’t play offsides so they’re disjointed at the back and I feel like there’s a lot of space for me to run into.
“I always feel like I’m going to get opportunities against them, that’s no disrespect to them. The two centre backs are world class at the end of the day but I think I spot opportunities and spaces in between them.
“When it’s a high line like that I like to run in behind and create some danger for them.”
Ollie Watkins may have softened his comments by praising Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but the underlying message remains concerning for Liverpool.
The Reds have struggled defensively all season, with opposition forwards now openly admitting they enjoy facing Arne Slot’s side.
Liverpool have conceded 77 goals in all competitions – their worst tally in over 20 years – and 52 in the league, the first time they have surpassed 50 in a 38-game Premier League season. Only Leeds and the bottom four have conceded more.
Such public assessments from opponents underline the scale of Liverpool’s issues. The heavy defeat at Villa Park has further dented confidence, leaving Champions League qualification still uncertain heading into the final weekend.
Everything could now hinge on the last game against Brentford at Anfield – a match that will also mark the farewells of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Liverpool’s inconsistent form has left them at risk of missing out on a top-five finish in front of their home supporters, just as two modern greats, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, prepare to depart.
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