LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP) — Arne Slot accepted the blame for Liverpool’s sixth Premier League defeat in seven matches after Nottingham Forest swept to a shock 3-0 victory at Anfield on Saturday.

Slot’s side slumped to their joint worst Premier League loss on home turf as Forest piled on the misery for the spluttering champions.

Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White scored for Forest in Liverpool’s heaviest home defeat since losing 4-1 to Manchester City in 2021.

Chelsea and West Ham are the only other teams in the Premier League era to win at Anfield by three goals.

Slot was outwitted by Forest boss Sean Dyche whose low block and counter-attacking game plan exposed the flaws in Liverpool’s misfiring line-up.

“How bad? That is difficult to measure but it was very bad. Playing at home, losing 3-0 — no matter which team you face — is a very, very bad result,” Slot said.

“I want to emphasise I am responsible for the current losses; you are responsible when you are winning but also responsible when you are losing.

“I can never come up with excuses for us to have the results we have. That is far from good enough — and I am responsible for that.”

The astonishing defeat dropped Liverpool to 11th in the table, leaving them eight points behind leaders Arsenal and with their title defence in tatters well before Christmas.

Liverpool have suffered eight defeats in their last 11 matches in all competitions, a remarkable run for a team that cantered to their record-equalling 20th English title last term.

The Reds’ collapse has come after spending nearly £450 million (US$589 million) on new signings in the summer in a spree that was expected to deliver more silverware.

Alexander Isak, their British record signing from Newcastle, remains without a league goal for the Reds, while Florian Wirtz has been even less impactful.

Despite their stunning predicament Slot is adamant Liverpool will eventually emerge from their malaise.

“Of course there is a way out, especially with the quality players we have,” he said.

“No matter if you win or lose, if you make a line-up or make substitutions, when you look back you are also thinking, ‘Where can we do better, where we can adjust?’ But that is something else from doubting yourself.”

Slot claimed Liverpool had actually played well in the first half against Forest, with their lack of cutting edge proving decisive.

“In my opinion it was a good start from us. I haven’t seen us creating so much in the opening half-hour [for] maybe the whole season,” he said.

“We were able to create a lot, and the first time they arrived in our box they scored a goal.

“It is a very difficult cocktail to drink if you miss out on your own chances and every time you concede one, the ball goes in.”

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

Burnley 0, Chelsea 2

Bournemouth 2, West Ham 2

Brighton 2, Brentford 1

Fulham 1, Sunderland 0

Liverpool 0, Nott Forest 3

Wolves 0, Crystal Palace 2

Newcastle 2, Man City 1

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Leeds vs Aston Villa

Arsenal vs Tottenham

MONDAY’S GAME

Man United vs Everton