Steven Gerrard savaged Liverpool‘s defensive line-up after the Reds were thrashed by PSV Eindhoven on home soil. It was another night to forget for the reigning Premier League champions, who shipped four goals against their Dutch opponents. It marked their ninth defeat in 12 matches and piled even more pressure on Arne Slot as he faces a battle to save his job.

Virgil van Dijk was at fault for the opener, handling the ball inside the area to concede an early penalty. Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez also struggled, while Curtis Jones deputised at right-back in the absence of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. Konate was hooked after losing his bearings for PSV’s third of the match, with Ryan Gravenberch moving into defence.

After the final whistle, Gerrard demanded soul-searching from the Liverpool squad as mounting pressure reaches fever pitch.

He declared on TNT Sports: “The substitution of Konate was huge, that sends a story.

“You look at the back four that you finish with: Curtis Jones, Gravenberch, Van Dijk and Kerkez. That’s not a Liverpool back four, never will be.”

Konate has now been dragged off by Slot in back-to-back fixtures following his removal 10 minutes into the second period against Nottingham Forest.

Hugo Ekitike replaced him on that occasion, with Liverpool once again managing only to leak another goal during his absence.

Liverpool have now shipped three or more goals in three straight matches across all competitions, a nadir last reached in September 1992.

Gerrard went on: “No, it’s not [acceptable], they’re conceding too many goals, they’re wide open, they’re vulnerable and unstable. Anfield tells a story; the seats are empty.

“PSV were excellent, and we were comfortable here tonight, deserving the victory. Liverpool’s problems become deeper, pressure intensifies even more, and there needs to be soul-searching for sure.”

In his post-match interview, Reds manager Slot said: “I want to be positive about the players after we went 1-0 down.

“We came back into the game and had enough chances to go 2-1 up and at half-time I don’t think anyone would have expected us to lose 4-1.

“After conceding to make it 2-1, we had chances to make it 2-2, and then we conceded another goal. It’s hard to take.

“The only way to go is go through now. What I mean by that is we have to face what we’re in and fight really hard.”