Paul Merson, writing his latest column for Sky Sports, opened up about his growing unease regarding Liverpool's start to the campaign, while also casting doubt on the club's big‑money acquisitions Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola. The Reds have now endured three draws in their first four Premier League fixtures, the most recent being a goalless stalemate against Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, which left them perched in seventh place on the table. Merson highlighted the upcoming Carabao Cup clash with a struggling Tottenham side on Tuesday as a crucial test before the international break, noting that both that match and the subsequent league game at Bournemouth will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
He echoed Sky Sports analyst Adam Bate’s assessment that Liverpool’s performance against Fulham was "unbeaten but unsatisfied," a phrase that captures the frustration of a team that has yet to find a winning formula. The former England midfielder did not shy away from questioning manager Jürgen Klopp’s adaptation to the pressures of Anfield after his move from Bournemouth. "No disrespect to Bournemouth, but a 0‑0 draw at home against Fulham is hardly headline news for them.
For Liverpool, however, it becomes front‑page material," Merson wrote, suggesting that Klopp may still be feeling the weight of expectation and needs to loosen the tactical restraints that have been placed on his side. He also pointed out the widening gap between the league’s traditional powerhouses and the rest of the pack. "Manchester City and Arsenal are so far ahead it’s mind‑blowing," he said, underscoring the urgency for Liverpool to close the quality divide if they hope to compete for the title. When it comes to the club’s marquee signings, Merson expressed a mixture of admiration and impatience.
He praised Wirtz, calling him "a special player," yet admitted that the German’s impact has not yet materialised. "I don’t know how long they can wait on Florian Wirtz. It just isn’t working at the moment," he confessed. The same scepticism was directed at Barcola, whose pace he acknowledged but questioned whether speed alone fits Liverpool’s style.
"You don’t have to be the fastest man in the Premier League at Liverpool, you need a bit more guile," Merson argued, invoking Mohamed Salah as the benchmark of creativity and composure that Liverpool require. Merson warned that relying solely on athleticism could be a strategic flaw. "Everyone sits players behind the ball, there’s no other tactics and that is a worry," he observed, suggesting that the team’s lack of tactical variety is a cause for concern. Reflecting on a recent encounter with Everton, Merson noted that Liverpool started brightly, creating several problems for their opponents, but ultimately failed to convert chances into a goal.
He believes that missing an early strike can erode confidence, a sentiment he repeated throughout the piece: "Confidence is the thing, and at the moment they just haven’t got that confidence and the belief. That’s the problem." Looking ahead, Merson is optimistic about Liverpool’s potential to dominate the league, predicting a double‑digit points margin if they find their rhythm. However, he also warned that Arsenal’s schedule—featuring away trips to Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool—could be a decisive factor in the title race. "After those four games, I don’t know who’s beating Arsenal.
They’re a hard team to beat," he said, acknowledging the psychological edge Arsenal now enjoys after shedding the label of "bottle‑jobs". The former player also commented on Liverpool’s depth, stating that the squad is packed with talent and managed by one of the best coaches in the business. While he recognises a "terrible result" against Nottingham Forest as a worrying sign, he doubts the club would ever face relegation given the quality at its disposal. Merson concluded by stressing the importance of the upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham.
He described it as a "momentum swinger" that could set the tone for the rest of the season. A victory, he believes, would provide a much‑needed boost heading into the international break, while a loss could exacerbate the existing doubts. In summary, Paul Merson’s column paints a picture of a Liverpool side that is technically sound but mentally fragile, grappling with the pressure of high expectations, the need for tactical flexibility, and the impatience surrounding its marquee signings.
The next few weeks, particularly the clash with Tottenham, will be pivotal in determining whether the Reds can turn their early-season wobble into a sustained challenge for the Premier League crown.