Liverpool entered the 2025/26 campaign as defending Premier League champions, carrying the momentum of last season but also facing the immense pressure that comes with holding the crown. Under Arne Slot, the club spent heavily during the summer transfer window, reshaping the squad with marquee arrivals such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak, to name a few. The new arrivals – particularly Ekitike – have already made a big impact in the squad and, more importantly, in the games themselves.
However, while the transfer activity and the general anticipation of a new Premier League season gave fans plenty to be excited about, the campaign began under the shadow of tragedy with the sudden passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in July. In a moment that broke the hearts of Liverpool and global football fans alike, their deaths marked one of the darkest periods the club has ever faced. A vital contributor both on and off the pitch, Jota’s passing left a deep scar not only on the club, but across the city and the world.
The outpouring of grief – seas of flowers, scarves, and pictures laid like a blanket outside Anfield – showed how the city comes together in its darkest hours. Football means so much to so many, and while it is easy to get swept up in the emotion of the game, moments like this remind us that our heroes are human too. The Liverpool squad, especially this season, carries the burden of losing a much-loved friend, husband, and father.
The competitive season opened at Wembley with the Community Shield, where Liverpool faced Crystal Palace. In a lively game that finished 2-2, Palace eventually triumphed on penalties. Although no trophy was secured, the match provided early signs of what Slot was looking to achieve: energy in attack, high pressing, and a willingness to play expansively. It also revealed that the defensive unit was not yet fully settled – a theme that has persisted in the weeks since.
The Premier League opener at Anfield against Bournemouth showcased the attacking flair Slot has encouraged. A 4-2 victory was convincing on the scoreboard, but the two goals conceded reminded supporters that defensive concentration remains a work in progress. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging start, with the Reds demonstrating their ability to score freely and take command of a game early on.
Perhaps the most dramatic contest so far came away at Newcastle United. On a sunny Bank Holiday Monday at the end of August, Liverpool snatched a 3-2 victory thanks to a 100th-minute winner from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha in what proved to be a tense and, at times, frustrating match. Not only did the teenager etch his name into the record books as the club’s youngest ever scorer, but his goal also symbolised the resilience and spirit of this Liverpool side. The ability to fight until the final whistle – and to rely on emerging young talent – suggests that Slot’s squad has both grit and depth.
Back at Anfield, Liverpool faced Arsenal in what was billed as an early test between two potential title rivals. Unlike the end-to-end nature of the Bournemouth and Newcastle games, this match was tight and tense, settled by a moment of quality from Dominik Szoboszlai, who curled home a stunning free-kick to seal a 1-0 victory. Winning in such a manner – by fine margins against strong opposition – is often what separates champions from contenders, and Liverpool showed they could grind out results as well as dazzle.
However, Liverpool’s first setback came away at Crystal Palace, where they slipped to a 2-1 defeat. It was a reminder that defending the title will be no straightforward task, and that opponents will raise their game against the champions. The result also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, particularly when the team is forced onto the back foot.
Following their first league setback, Liverpool bounced back in the EFL Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield. The match offered Arne Slot a chance to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to younger players and fringe members of the team while still fielding enough experience to secure the result. Despite Southampton’s spirited performance, the Reds showed composure and resilience, with late pressure from the visitors dealt with confidently. The win not only booked Liverpool’s place in the next round of the competition but also demonstrated the growing depth and adaptability within Slot’s squad – qualities that could prove crucial as the season’s demands intensify.
Away from the domestic league, European competition has already provided another stern lesson. In their Champions League opener against Galatasaray in Istanbul, Liverpool dominated possession but struggled to convert chances, eventually falling 1-0 to a penalty. It was a sobering reminder of the fine margins at continental level, where hostile atmospheres and tactical discipline can undo even the most talented of sides. Slot will need to ensure his team adapts quickly to these challenges if they are to progress deep into the competition.
Looking across these early matches, several themes emerge. Liverpool’s attack is potent, capable of scoring from open play and set pieces alike, with new arrivals beginning to settle and young players stepping up. The midfield, refreshed with energy and creativity, has often dictated games effectively. However, defensive lapses remain a concern, and the team’s ability to keep clean sheets may determine whether they can sustain a title challenge while also competing in Europe. The emotional weight of Jota’s passing lingers in the background, yet it also seems to have galvanised the squad; performances often carry a sense of playing in his memory.
As Liverpool push on into the months ahead, the focus remains firmly on the title – but this year, every victory carries a deeper, more poignant meaning. The Reds have shown they can win convincingly, edge tight contests, and recover from difficult situations. The defeats, both in the league and in Europe, serve as warnings rather than fatal blows. The season is still young, but if Liverpool can tighten up defensively, manage squad rotation effectively, and continue to find inspiration in the face of adversity, they look well placed to mount another serious push for honours at home and abroad.
