The good, the bad and the ugly: Are Liverpool back to their best?

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Liverpool's recent performances have been a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by glaring weaknesses. The good: Liverpool showed flashes of their former dominance, particularly in their 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid, where Alexis Mac Allister's second-half header ended Madrid's perfect record. This win was a reminder of their ability to compete with Europe's elite and provided a much-needed boost to morale.

The bad: Despite the win over Madrid, Liverpool's domestic form has been inconsistent. Their 2-1 loss to Manchester United highlighted defensive frailties and a lack of leadership on the pitch. Critics pointed to the absence of strong leadership from star players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, with both failing to inspire the team during crucial moments. The attack also struggled to create clear chances, and the defense was often exposed by United's counter-attacks.

The ugly: The situation worsened with a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, marking Liverpool's sixth loss in seven matches. Manager Arne Slot's decision to make 10 changes backfired as Palace capitalized on Liverpool's disjointed play. Ismaila Sarr was particularly effective, scoring twice, while Palace's Yeremy Pino added a late goal. The match also saw teenage substitute Amara Nallo sent off, compounding Liverpool's woes. This defeat continued a troubling run that began with their loss at Selhurst Park and raised further questions about Slot's tactics and the team's resilience.

Overall, Liverpool's season has been a mix of promise and disappointment. While they can still compete at the highest level, their inconsistency and lack of leadership remain significant concerns as they strive to return to their best form.