Following Liverpool's Champions League exit to Paris St-Germain, we examine the validity of Arne Slot's post-match comments, where he cited missed chances, injuries, and VAR decisions as factors contributing to the team's struggles this season. Slot expressed frustration over Liverpool's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, having notched 1.92 Expected Goals against the European champions but failing to find the net at Anfield. He stated, "Unfortunately, it's one of the many examples of this season where we weren't able to score from the many chances we had." This trend is evident in the Champions League, where Liverpool has scored 24 goals from 27.8xG, the largest underperformance among quarter-finalists.

However, in the Premier League, Liverpool's goals total is only 0.65 below their xG total, with nine teams having a worse differential. The team's conversion rate of big chances is a concern, with 59 missed clear-cut openings in the top flight. Players like Curtis Jones, Florian Wirtz, and Alexis Mac Allister have underperformed their individual xG totals, while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have also been costly in the league. Injuries have also taken a toll, with Alexander Isak struggling with injuries all season, including a broken leg, and Hugo Ekitike's worrying injury against PSG adding to the team's frustration.

Slot pointed out that he hasn't had a chance to use his key signings together often enough, saying, "For 88 minutes [before Tuesday] we have played with Florian [Wirtz], Alex and Hugo. We added about 27 to that [on Tuesday] and I would be surprised if we add more minutes to that this season." Other players like Alisson, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong have also missed game time due to injuries.

Slot has also been critical of VAR decisions, citing several instances where decisions have gone against his team, including the overturned penalty against PSG. Despite the setbacks, Slot remains optimistic about the team's future, given the quality of young players they have brought in, including Ryan Gravenberch, Ekitike, Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez.

With six games remaining in the Premier League campaign, Slot and Liverpool need results to secure a Champions League place for next season.