Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville claims this current Liverpool team has very little in common with the “heavy metal football” that has been the hallmark of Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge.

While he was hesitant to declare that this is “the end of Liverpool” in terms of being an elite team under the management of Klopp, Neville says the inability to implement a high-pressing game is a major worry:

“They have enough credit in the bank for us not to go wild on them and say: ‘This is the end of Liverpool’. That’s not the case here, but there are concerns and worrying signs. It’s the energy and the appetite in the games that they have had over the last couple of years in terms of trying to defend and press (that has been the issue). They look two or three yards off, and two or three yards in football is everything. If you’re a yard off a world-class player it’s too much.”

Facing Arsenal, Liverpool were coming up against the in-form team in the league whilst being low on confidence themselves. The differences between the two side (in terms of energy and pressing) were, therefore, exacerbated so Neville is right not to be too definitive with his verdict.

There are a number of factors in play in terms of why the Reds are performing poorly at the moment. Injuries and constant changes to the starting lineup have played a role. Conceding first in 14 of the last 16 games doesn’t help matters either and the defence has continued to look vulnerable, no matter the personnel.

In addition to the tactical aspects, you have an ageing squad, combined with new signings who are young and inexperienced. There are also very few players between 24 and 28 who are in their prime. Fans will be hoping that this is simply a transition period and the future under Klopp is still bright.