Virgil pen Dijk

The alarms went off at Anfield, as Liverpool are in a deep crisis. Arne Slot's crew lost six out of its last seven Premier League clashes, and the recent slap in the face in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven (4-1 defeat) put the Dutchman's position at risk.

Moreover, the Reds lost their previous three matches with a goal difference of 1-10, which is a historically poor record.

Liverpool in freefall: Slot vows to keep fighting despite worst run in 71 years

Responsibility is debatable. Slot can be called out for everything, but also Mohamed Salah, who is nowhere near the level he reached last season, Alexander Isak, who is a shadow of his former self, as well as the defence, which has already collapsed 34 times in all competitions.

And when the defensive line plays poorly, its leader has to be the first to take the blame.

Virgil van Dijk's shockingly sorry reactions - like that ridiculous block attempt against Chelsea - had already been discussed. However, the current campaign has shed light on another Dutchman's problem - conceding penalties.

Since the start of the season, Liverpool have conceded five penalties - two in the Premier League, as many in the Champions League, and one in the Community Shield.

The ones against Galatasaray and Man City were given away by Dominik Szoboszlai and Giorgi Mamardashvili, respectively, though the keeper made up for his mistake, stopping Erling Haaland's effort, which was the only spot-kick the Reds' rivals missed this season.

Van Dijk gave away the remaining three - more than any other Premier League player.

Against Crystal Palace in the first game of the season in the Community Shield, he fouled Ismaila Sarr in the box. A month ago, against Brentford, he elbowed Igor Thiago in the area, and two days ago, he made an uncanny move, handballing against PSV by raising his arm high above his head, as if he were a basketball player, trying to block the rival's shot.

Each of the three penalties he gave away was converted, and Liverpool lost each match.

Hence, Slot may be sacked soon, the forwards, who seriously fell short, undoubtedly deserve to be "slammed", but the Reds' captain shouldn't be shielded from criticism, as he's been one of the team's weakest links and has to wake up as soon as possible.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 13

Saturday

18.00: (1.48) Brentford (4.40) Burnley (8.00)

18.00: (1.25) Manchester City (6.50) Leeds (14.0)

18.00: (3.15) Sunderland (3.45) Bournemouth (2.40)

20.30: (2.85) Everton (3.40) Newcastle (2.60)

23.00: (2.20) Tottenham (3.40) Fulham (3.30)

Sunday

15.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.50) Manchester Utd. (3.00)

17.05: (1.50) Aston Villa (4.20) Wolverhampton (6.75)

17.05: (2.85) Nottingham Forest (3.35) Brighton (2.65)

17.05: (4.50) West Ham (4.25) Liverpool (1.75)

19.30: (3.35) Chelsea (3.45) Arsenal (2.25)

***odds are subject to change***