Comparing Liverpool's early form against last season shows exactly where Reds are now going wrong - opinion

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Liverpool have lost two league games in a row and some are becoming concerned about their title defence.At the start of the campaign, the Reds may have won their first five games, but they were incredibly lucky to do so.Last-minute winners got them over the line and they were praised for showing grit and determination, with the famous saying being that it was the ‘sign of champions’.However, now that these last-gasp efforts have dried up, they have not been so lucky, with Liverpool now losing back-to-back games in the league and slipping down to second.With the international break now upon us, it has probably come at a good time for Arne Slot, with this time to work on things and put them right.And based on their record after seven games last season, it is clear what needs to be done, although it also shows that they are not as bad as people think.Photo by Robin Jones/Getty ImagesLiverpool’s record after seven games last seasonThis time last year, Slot was getting ready for his second international break as Liverpool manager, with the Dutchman adapting quickly to life in England. There were almost no concerns for the Reds at this point of the season, showing just how big a difference 12 months can make.However, when comparing Liverpool’s start in 2024 to now, it is clear that they are conceding far too many goals, with this something that could be their downfall.

READ MORE: Whether Ibrahima Konate is expected to join up with France squad following injury scare for LiverpoolLiverpool’s record after 7 gamesWinsLossesGoals ForGoals AgainstGoal Difference Points2024/2561132+11182025/2652139+415Stats from the Premier League and correct as of 06/10/25So far this season, Liverpool have already conceded seven goals more than they did at this point in 2024, with this clearly their biggest worry.This is because, other than that, they are not far off the levels they were last season, with the Reds scoring the same amount of goals (13) and only having three points fewer.Even Arsenal have had a slower start this season despite being top of the tree, with the Gunners having one less point than they did at this point last year.Arne Slot must work on his defence over the international breakThis is the first time Slot has had a real problem as Liverpool manager, meaning that this is his real chance to prove further why he is the right man for the job.So far, it is clear that he is not entirely happy with his defence due to the amount of changes he keeps making to it, although this will have to stop soon.Players need time to build up a relationship and connection, with the backline needing this the most, although they have not managed that as of yet.Granted, Slot’s defenders have been underperforming a lot hence why he keeps changing it, so they also need to step up and help their manager out.The goals against column on the Premier League table is definitely a slight worry for the Reds, but overall, everything else suggests they are not a million miles away from the levels they were at last season.