Jermaine Pennant: Liverpool's Biggest Weapon Isn't Luis Diaz

Liverpool’s lethargic performances this season are based in a number of issues, but with one more prevalent than the rest according to Jermaine Pennant. The ex-player has been a vocal critic of Liverpool this season. Pennant discusses the pressure on Arne Slot on a regular basis, not convinced by the Dutchman’s second season in charge. Liverpool could have appointed De Zerbi! He’s lost the same number of games as Slot in 18 months! Some point to key departures, others to the uninspiring form of some of Liverpool’s biggest stars — Luis Diaz the most frequently cited example. But Pennant thinks there is another issue that is harming the Reds even more, something that was once considered their biggest strength. Jermaine Pennant says Liverpool have lost Anfield edge There have been some pretty dire home displays this season, and the energy from the stands that so often spurred this team on in recent seasons just isn’t having the same effect now. That point is driven home by Liverpool’s winless record against promoted sides at Anfield. MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES Appearing on talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool, Pennant remarks: “I just don’t understand how you can take the DNA of Liverpool, especially at Anfield. Teams used to come there and not get a minute on the ball, and it would be chaotic. Press, press, press. “We’re not saying when you get the ball, go straight up. You can still have your slow, you know, build up. But when they’ve got the ball, either, you know, stop it at source at the top, okay, if they get out, get back, then press again. “I’m not the manager, but I was told, you know, when I played football, don’t give anyone time on the ball because it’s the Premier League. They will find a way.” Who is to blame for Liverpool losing focus towards the end of every game? Milos Kerkez made a worrying admission ahead of Marseille It’s hard to argue with his claim. Liverpool just aren’t the fear-inspiring home side they have been in the past. Oftentimes, the game is played at the pace dictated by the visitors. With the business end of the Champions League on the horizon, Slot needs to figure out how to make Anfield a fortress again. Liverpool 8th in the Premier League at home To put an exclamation point on Pennant’s theory, there are seven teams in the Premier League this season who have a better home record than the Reds. 11 games, six wins, three draws and two losses. When you consider some of the teams they have played in that time, it’s a pretty woeful return. Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool could go months without dropping points at home. It’s why they were able to rack up 90+ points so frequently.