Liverpool FC have seen their hopes of winning their second successive Premier League title dashed after whimpering to a fourth consecutive league defeat. The Reds could be seven points off top spot by the end of the weekend and may need an almost perfect run of results over the rest of the season to beat the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City to silverware.

Liverpool fell behind five minutes into their clash with Brentford in the evening kick-off on Saturday as Dango Ouattara pounced on a flick-on from a long throw. Kevin Schade raced through to double his side’s advantage before the break, with Milos Kerkez pulling a goal back moments later. The Bees restored their two-goal lead courtesy of an Igor Thiago penalty, before Mohamed Salah set up a nervy climax with a strike in the 89th minute. But Liverpool ultimately left west London empty-handed.

Liverpool’s lack of points after nine games indicates they may already be out of the title race.

And their abysmal form means they are unlikely to turn things around any time soon, unless Arne Slot can solve his team’s problems at the...