Emile Heskey urges Liverpool to stick with Arne Slot

Liverpool have underperformed this season and are currently sixth in the Premier League, and when results dip, the noise inevitably grows louder. Big-money arrivals, lofty expectations and the weight of recent success have combined to create a tense atmosphere around Anfield. For a side that has grown accustomed to challenging for the biggest titles, anything less than a sustained title push invites criticism.

At the same time, the wider Premier League landscape is shifting. Traditional heavyweights are being challenged by Aston Villa, who are currently third in the league, challenging for the title, but is it really time to consider them as true contenders?

We spoke to former Liverpool star Emile Heskey about exactly that, just as he also shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s current struggles, the pressure on Arne Slot, Mohamed Salah’s legacy and whether Aston Villa can turn promise into a genuine title challenge.

Liverpool must match expectations with performance

For a club of Liverpool’s stature, scrutiny comes with the territory, and when you assess their season against the resources invested, the verdict is clear.

“Whenever you look at results, you generally look back at what has been spent and what has been allocated to the squad. What does the squad look like? And you judge off that and if you judge off those metrics then it’s not been good.”

“The reality is that Liverpool should be challenging for the title. But then you look at the likes of Wirtz and Ekitike and Isak who have just come into the club and it’s difficult to make a difference straight away. It’s not an excuse for them because this is their job. It’s their job to perform. I know they will all come good but it has been a very tough watch at this moment in time seeing them underperform.”

While new signings often need time to adapt, that patience only stretches so far at Anfield, particularly when the club’s ambitions are so clear. The pressure will be on them to pick up three points this weekend away at Nottingham Forest, and if you fancy backing them to do so at odds of 4/5, you can use our bet365 bonus code to unlock some free bets.

Leaders must step up

It’s not just about integrating new players, as the responsibility also lies with the experienced core of the squad.

“The leaders, I think, need to do more. We can’t just blame the new players. The leaders are there to lead, make decisions and pull people out of situations they may be struggling with and I don’t see it as much now.”

Defensive resilience, once a hallmark of Liverpool’s success, has also dipped noticeably.

“We lauded Liverpool for many a year for being defensively solid but right now they look defensively fragile. They now need to pick themselves back up.”

For a side that built title challenges on control, organisation and a rock-solid back line, that fragility is a worrying sign, and one that must be addressed quickly if they are to remain in the race.

Liverpool should stick with Arne Slot

Despite the criticism, there is no appetite for a knee-jerk reaction when it comes to the manager.

“I think they should stick with Slot. You’ve got to remember we were all saying how good the in-game changes were and we lauded him for it. Making changes at half-time, pulling players off, taking risks, making tough decisions and them coming off. We can’t all of a sudden jump on someone’s back when they have a dip. There’s got to be consistency and stick with him.”

That said, the pressure at Liverpool is relentless and unchanging.

“But he needs to know he’s under pressure and he’s at a club where it’s not if we win, it’s we’ve got to win trophies. When I was at the club it was you couldn't lose two games on the spin, having come from Leicester where you lose five. In that environment you can’t lose two on the bounce and they’re telling you that. That is pressure and you’ve got to be able to deal with that pressure.”

“There have been seasons in the past where competing for the Premier League title was normal and if it wasn’t for a fantastic Manchester City team they would have won more. They know how to do it, so now’s the time to stand up and be counted.”

“Slot knows he has to win trophies and regardless of whether you’re at Liverpool, Leeds or West Ham, you’re ten games away from being sacked. It’s sad to say but it’s common knowledge that teams are trigger happy.”

Mohamed Salah’s legacy is secure

With uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future, there has been debate over whether a disappointing end could tarnish his standing at the club.

“I don't think it affects Salah's legacy. The thing is all good things come to an end. It is a bit disappointing how this came to an end, but his legacy will always be there. No one can take away his numbers or what he did for Liverpool.”

“He was phenomenal for years. I don't think people realise the numbers he has produced either. Maybe they are taking it for granted. That is what we do and it was the same with Mane when he left. People said we would be fine, but we still haven't replaced him.”

Replacing players of that calibre is never straightforward, and Liverpool are still searching for the next long-term focal point of their attack.

Aston Villa in the title conversation

Outside of the traditional top four, teams are rarely taken seriously in the title race - but Aston Villa are forcing people to reconsider.

“It is an interesting one with Aston Villa, because outside of the normal top four clubs, you won't take teams seriously talking about the title race. They are in the fight and they have a fantastic manager who understands how to win games.”

Under Unai Emery, Villa have developed structure, discipline and a clear identity.

“Emery can structure teams and games. He has done fantastic, he has brought Ollie Watkins up to speed again. Everything he has done has worked. Tielemans is a fantastic player as well, so everything Emery has done has worked.”

There is a tactical maturity about Villa now, as well as an ability to manage moments within games and grind out results when required. Still, sustaining a title push over a full season is another challenge entirely.

“I don't think they will be in the title race long term, but they are showing that they are going to fight till the end.”

Morgan Rogers for the World Cup?

One player drawing particular praise is Morgan Rogers, whose development has caught the eye of Heskey.

“Morgan Rogers is a Man City kid and you can see the intelligence and his mind always working. The spaces he finds, the drive he has with the ball is amazing. When we are talking about a number ten going to the World Cup, I personally think his name should be on top of that list. That is my personal opinion.”

In terms of consistency, he is being backed above some high-profile names.

“The way he has performed consistently, he is better than the rest. Cole Palmer hasn't done that and it is the same with Foden even though I love him. But consistently, Rogers has been the best player. He has been brilliant and I can't say it enough. I love watching him live and his movement is just so intelligent. He is always looking for space.”

“He drives and dribbles with the ball and he takes risks, which very few players can do on the pitch.”

Read more as Emile Heskey discusses the form of Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai