Liverpool’s attacking firepower clear but also their defensive frailties

All the transfer talk this summer has been about whether Liverpool can sign Alexander Isak but their lack of defensive solidity suggests that perhaps Marc Guehi should now become their priority.

Arne Slot needs to address Liverpool's defensive frailties sooner rather than later. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

FOR ALL THE FOCUS on Liverpool's revamped forward line, which may yet be further supplemented by Newcastle United's unhappy Swede Alexander Isak, Arne Slot knows full well that league titles are won or lost by defences.

The Dutchman inherited a world-class backline when he took over at Anfield a year ago, and ensured his men were miserly in the early months of what turned out to be a title-winning season. Liverpool did not concede once in their opening three games, all wins, and after a surprise 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest, then conceded two in the next four games. Their opening eight league games brought seven victories, with just three goals conceded, and took them to the top of the table, from where they never wavered.