'Certainly a mini-crisis' - Liverpool told they are 'too open' after losing third game in a row thanks to last-gasp Chelsea winner

Liverpool kicked off their title defence campaign by winning back-to-back five Premier League matches, one Champions League game and a Carabao Cup clash. However, since last weekend, everything has gone downhill for the champions. It all started with a loss against Crystal Palace, which was followed by a defeat at Galatasaray in the Champions League. Finally, on Saturday, they went down 2-1 against the Blues with Moises Caicedo and Estevao scoring for the hosts. Cody Gakpo was on target for the Reds. 

Former Premier League star and Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp dissected the team's performance as a pundit on Sky Sports, as he said: "You can't change too much and go away from what was so successful last year. When I looked at the balance in midfield, they are certainly losing control in important matches. I think about the first goal the way they dissect Liverpool's midfield. 

"I get that at times you have to go man for man, but other times you have to mark space but they are too open all the time. That isn't what Liverpool were last season. Everyone right now is just a bit off it, confidence is low. I wouldn't write Liverpool off just yet but this is certainly a mini crisis because of the way they are playing. They haven't been at it all season but they will get better and they are still going to be in the equation."

After a series of poor performances since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a record transfer this summer, Wirtz got off to a slow start as he failed to live up to the hype. However, owing to his recent poor form, Wirtz was kept on the bench on the Reds' trip to Stamford Bridge and he came on as a substitute in the second half, replacing Conor Bradley. 

Before Liverpool's third consecutive loss in west London, Arsenal comfortably beat West Ham 2-0. Following the two results, Arsenal climbed up to the top of the table and are now one point clear of the Reds. Liverpool return to action after the international break against bitter rivals Manchester United.