Liverpool may have walked away with a comfortable 5–1 victory, but the atmosphere at Anfield was anything but cheerful. The scoreboard told one story — dominance — yet anyone who watched the match knew the performance painted a completely different picture.
What should have been a night of celebration turned into an outpouring of frustration and disappointment from fans, pundits, and even Liverpool legends.
After the final whistle, a former Liverpool icon couldn’t hold back his anger during a live broadcast. “I’m disappointed beyond words — not just with the coach, but with every single player, especially Van Dijk,” he said furiously. “There was no hunger, no fight, no pride. This wasn’t the Liverpool we know — it was pure embarrassment.” His words struck a chord with fans who had already been voicing similar concerns online.
Manager Arne Slot attempted to calm the storm by explaining the team’s performance as part of a “rebuilding process.” However, the supporters were having none of it. Social media platforms were flooded with angry comments, calling the win “flat,” “lucky,” and “lifeless.” Many fans argued that the team’s display lacked identity, energy, and the intensity that once defined Liverpool under previous eras.
While five goals might suggest attacking brilliance, the truth was that the performance felt hollow. The players looked slow and disconnected, especially in defense. Virgil van Dijk — usually the calm leader at the back — appeared out of rhythm, allowing the opposition too many opportunities that could have easily changed the scoreline.
One frustrated supporter summed it up perfectly: “We got away with that. If this was against City or Arsenal, we’d have been smashed.” Another added, “Even at 5–1, it didn’t feel like a win. There was no passion, no urgency — just empty football.”
For perhaps the first time in years, even Van Dijk found himself in the firing line. The Liverpool legend who sparked the viral rant didn’t mince words when questioning the captain’s leadership. “Van Dijk used to command respect — now he just looks passive. Where’s the leader we once had?” he asked. It’s a sentiment that’s been echoed by many fans who feel that the Dutchman has lost his spark under Slot’s new regime.
Although Arne Slot desperately needed this win to ease pressure, many pundits remain unconvinced by his tactical approach. Critics argue that Liverpool’s current style lacks the intensity, aggression, and unity that once made them feared across Europe. “How can you wear that badge and play with zero fire?” the frustrated legend continued. “Liverpool are starting to look like the new United — the team everyone wants to face.”
That last line spread like wildfire across social media, igniting debates and even giving rival fans ammunition to mock Liverpool’s apparent decline. Despite the three points, the night ended with fans questioning everything — from leadership on the pitch to direction off it.
As one disillusioned supporter wrote, “This isn’t the Liverpool we know. The scoreline may say 5–1, but the performance told the truth.”
