Liverpool fans are feeling a bit of deja vu right now, and not the good kind. If you look at the Liverpool standings Premier League situation as of January 16, 2026, the view from Anfield is… well, it’s complicated.
Arne Slot’s men are currently sitting in 4th place. They’ve played 21 games, racked up 35 points, and honestly, the gap between them and the top is starting to look like a canyon. Arsenal is currently running away with it at 49 points. That’s a 14-point lead. Even for a team that prides itself on "heavy metal" comebacks—even if Slot’s version is a bit more "refined jazz"—that is a massive hill to climb.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
Let’s break down the gritty details of where the Reds stand.
In 21 matches, they’ve managed 10 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses. The goal difference is a measly +4. Compare that to Manchester City and Arsenal, who are both sitting on a +26. It tells you everything you need to know: Liverpool isn’t just losing games; they’ve lost that clinical edge that made them terrifying under the previous era and during their title-winning run last season.
They’ve scored 32 goals but conceded 28. That defense? It’s leakier than a rusted pipe.
What’s Going Wrong at Anfield?
The vibe is weird. Last year, Slot was the "Dutch Mastermind" who delivered the 20th league title. Now? People are already whispering about Xabi Alonso, especially since he just became a free agent after leaving Real Madrid.
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The biggest issue seems to be a strange stagnation. The team is keeping more of the ball—averaging about 61% possession—but they aren't doing anything with it. Their Expected Goals (xG) has dropped from 2.19 last season to 1.72 this year. Basically, they're passing the ball to death but forgetting to actually shoot.
The Salah Factor
Then there’s the Mo Salah situation.
He’s currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Egypt just got knocked out in the semi-finals by Senegal (classic Sadio Mane heartbreak, right?), which means Salah has a third-place playoff against Nigeria this Saturday.
Slot has been pretty prickly about it. When asked if Salah would be back for the Champions League game against Marseille next Wednesday, he basically told reporters to mind their business. Without Salah’s 5 goals and 4 assists, the front line looks a bit lost. Hugo Ekitike has been a bright spot with 12 goals in all competitions, but he can't carry the whole Kop on his back.
A Massive Transfer Spend vs. Reality
Liverpool didn't exactly penny-pinch over the summer. They dropped a record-breaking £125 million on Alexander Isak from Newcastle. They also spent £100 million on Florian Wirtz.
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On paper, this is a Galactico-level squad.
- Florian Wirtz: 3 goals and 5 assists.
- Alexander Isak: 3 goals in 16 appearances.
- Hugo Ekitike: 12 goals (the clear standout).
The talent is there. But for some reason, the chemistry feels off. It’s like buying all the best ingredients for a cake and then forgetting to turn the oven on. The midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch is still world-class, yet they seem to be struggling to protect a backline that has seen Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate looking surprisingly human lately.
The Road Ahead: Can They Save the Season?
If you're checking the Liverpool standings Premier League today, you’re probably looking at the upcoming fixtures with a bit of a grimace.
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, they host Burnley at Anfield. On paper, it’s a banker. But Liverpool has a nasty habit of "playing down" to opponents this season. Remember that 0-0 draw with Leeds? Or the home loss to Nottingham Forest?
After Burnley, the schedule gets spicy:
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- Jan 21: Marseille (Away) - Champions League
- Jan 24: Bournemouth (Away) - Premier League
- Jan 28: Qarabag (Home) - Champions League
- Jan 31: Newcastle (Home) - Premier League
- Feb 8: Manchester City (Home) - The Big One
That Manchester City game in February is basically the "Last Stand." If they don't take three points there, they aren't just out of the title race; they're in a dogfight just to stay in the top four. Brentford is right on their heels with 33 points, and Newcastle and Manchester United are lurking just behind them.
Actionable Insights for the Run-In
The Reds are at a crossroads. To keep their spot in the Champions League places, a few things have to change immediately.
- Solve the "Salah-less" Slump: Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa need to step up. Chiesa has only 2 goals in 21 appearances—that’s not nearly enough for a player of his caliber.
- Fix the Defensive Transition: Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez offer incredible width, but they’re leaving the center-backs exposed. Slot might need to sacrifice some "total football" for a bit of old-school solidity.
- Home Comforts: Anfield needs to become a fortress again. Dropping points to bottom-half teams at home is what’s killing their season.
Keep a close eye on the results over the next three weeks. If Liverpool can secure 9 points from their next three league games, the 4th-place spot looks safe. If they stumble against Burnley or Bournemouth, expect the "Alonso to Anfield" rumors to reach a fever pitch.
Next Step: Monitor the starting lineup for the Burnley match on January 17. If Slot persists with a high defensive line without the recovery pace of a fully fit Konate, look for Burnley to try and exploit the long ball over the top.