Liverpool's Form Under Arne Slot Could Silence Job Speculation, Paul Robinson After Brighton

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Liverpool's recent upturn in form, highlighted by a convincing 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton, could quieten speculation surrounding manager Arne Slot's future at Anfield[1][4].

Slot's second season has been turbulent for the reigning Premier League champions, who sit sixth in the table, five points off fourth-placed Manchester United and 17 points behind leaders Arsenal after eight league defeats, including a recent 2-1 loss to Manchester City[2][3]. Despite a hefty £450m summer transfer spend, Liverpool have struggled, winning just one of their last seven league games and battling for Champions League qualification with only 13 rounds left[1][2]. Slot himself admitted performances have fallen short of the club's high standards, describing draws as feeling like losses and conceding late goals as a persistent issue[3]. He called it his toughest season yet, a far cry from last year's title triumph[2][3].

However, Saturday's dominant FA Cup fourth-round win at Anfield—Liverpool's 10th victory in 11 home cup ties since 2018—signals improvement[1]. Curtis Jones opened scoring, followed by Mohamed Salah's exquisite volley assist for Dominik Szoboszlai's strike and a penalty conversion, his second goal since November[1][4]. Slot praised the team's ball-playing style, clinical finishing (1.82 xG vs Brighton's 1.22 despite more shots), and young players settling in after early adjustments cost points[1]. "The team is in a good place," he said, noting four wins in five recent matches across competitions[1]. Salah's defensive contributions and adaptation post-Africa Cup of Nations were also lauded[4].

Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler rued missed chances in their fourth loss in five[4]. Robinson argues this upward trajectory—four wins in five—should end "question marks" over Slot's job, provided consistency follows against tests like Sunderland[1][2][3]. Liverpool march to the fifth round, with Slot eyeing more from a resurgent squad[1][4].

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