In the build-up to Thursday's clash between Arsenal and Liverpool, pundits Daniel Sturridge and Gary Neville engaged in a heated debate over why the defending Premier League champions have dropped off after winning the title last season.
Liverpool lifted a record-equalling 20th top-flight title in May after they finished the 2024-25 campaign on 84 points.
It was a dream first season for Arne Slot, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville hailing the Dutchman's debut campaign at Liverpool as one of the "best coaching performances we've seen" in Premier League history.
But the Reds struggled in the opening stages of 2025-26. In fact, they fell to six defeats in seven Premier League games between September 27 and November 22, a run of form that raised questions around Slot's future.
Advert
Liverpool haven't lost any of their past eight outings, with their last defeat coming towards the end of November, when they suffered a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
However, the club were 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal ahead of their clash on Thursday.
- If you want to see even more from SPORTbible, make us a preferred source on Google.
One of the big talking points in the Sky Sports studio on Thursday night was Liverpool's drop off since winning the league title, something Neville believes could be down to their mentality coming into the new season.
"What's happened? Have they got to the top of the mountain, which sometimes we've seen over the last 20 to 30 years. They won the league and they went, 'Oh we did it'. Have they basically relaxed? Is that what's happened?" he asked.
"Are we questioning their mentality, or are we saying there are other things? Because there is a bit of me thinking now, it must be a bit of that as well. They thought they'd done it..."
Daniel Sturridge strongly disagreed with Neville's suggestion.
"No, Luis Diaz was one of the best players they had last season," he replied. "You've said it's a mystery. I'm giving you the solution to the mystery that you just mentioned."
Neville hit back by saying Liverpool "chose to sell him", but Sturridge was quick to respond.
"The mystery is, Luis Diaz was the best attacker from last season, because Salah set all the records, yes, but Luis Diaz was tenacious up front, pressing, scoring goals, creating chances, right?
"Trent Alexander-Arnold was the most creative right-back we've seen in the last 15 years in the Premier League, is that correct? He doesn't play for the club anymore. So, we're talking about two key players that aren't at the football club.
"Jarell Quansah, the centre-back. When Konate and Virgil (van Dijk) aren't playing well, Quansah was there. Where's Quansah? He doesn't play for the football club anymore."
Shaking his head, Neville wasn't having any of it. "I'm not buying that," he replied.
Sturridge continued to back his point. "No, you're not buying it, but that's the truth, Gary. It's the truth, whether you like it or not," he said.
"Particular players - the players they have signed - Ekitike and Isak have come in. Ekitike has hit the ground running. Isak, unfortunately, hasn't hit the ground running, right?
"Ekitike is not here tonight. He's been the best attacker for the club, scored the most goals, and been the most consistent this season.
"So all in all, when you look at the squad and you go, well, last season to this season, there's a big difference. The big difference is they've lost key players. The players who have come in haven't performed to the level that the players they lost performed at. That's the truth."
Thoughts on the debate? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Gary Neville, Daniel Sturridge, Premier League, Liverpool, Arsenal
Jack Kenmare