Arne Slot Gets Worrying Roy Hodgson Comparison as Pressure Builds at Liverpool

Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot faces mounting scrutiny after a statistic emerged comparing his recent Premier League form to Roy Hodgson's infamous tenure, sparking fan unrest despite a 12-match unbeaten run.[2][3][4]

The trigger was a 1-1 draw at home against Burnley, Liverpool's fourth straight Premier League stalemate and their first failure to beat a newly promoted side at Anfield since 1980/81. Opta data editor Michael Reid highlighted on X that Liverpool have earned just 5 wins and 21 points from their last 17 league games, averaging 1.24 points per game—marginally worse than Hodgson's 1.25 over 20 matches before his 2011 sacking.[2][3][5]

This jarring parallel to one of Liverpool's darkest eras has fueled online backlash, with fans drawing damning comparisons despite Slot's squad boasting stars like Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Florian Wirtz. Critics point to "colossal issues" in converting dominance—32 shots and 2.95 xG against Burnley—into wins.[2][3]

Yet, context tempers the narrative. Slot, Liverpool's first "head coach" rather than traditional manager, inherited massive squad upheaval post-Premier League title, including record arrivals and departures. His overall record stands at 2.02 points per game and 61.36% win rate, rivaling Jurgen Klopp's 2.065 and 62%.[5] The team sits fourth, unbeaten in 12 across competitions, vying on three fronts amid a league where no side boasts a winning run longer than one.[2][5]

Steven Gerrard deemed home draws "not acceptable" but praised Slot for steadying the ship into Champions League contention. Virgil van Dijk echoed unity, admitting "something lacking" but urging support. FSG sources reportedly back Slot, with top-four finish the baseline—though rivals like Manchester United lurk close. Xabi Alonso speculation simmers, but Slot must solve conversion woes to silence doubters.[3][5]

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