Paul Merson, writing his latest column for Sky Sports, voiced serious doubts about Liverpool’s trajectory this campaign while also questioning the club’s recent signings, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola. After the Reds were held to a goalless draw at Anfield by Fulham – their third stalemate in four opening Premier League fixtures – they have slipped to seventh place in the table.
Their upcoming schedule includes a Carabao Cup clash with a struggling Tottenham side on Tuesday, followed by a league encounter with Bournemouth, both televised live on Sky Sports before the international break. Adam Bate of Sky Sports summed up the Fulham performance as "unbeaten but unsatisfied," a phrase that resonated with Merson. He echoed the sentiment, adding that manager Andoni Iraola may be finding the transition from Bournemouth to the pressures of Anfield more demanding than anticipated. While there is no disrespect for the Bournemouth set‑up, Merson pointed out that a 0‑0 draw at home for a mid‑table side is hardly headline news – yet a similar result for Liverpool instantly becomes a talking point.
He urged Iraola to loosen the tactical restraints, to let the team play with more freedom and creativity. Merson also highlighted the widening gap between the league’s elite and the rest of the pack. "Every weekend you see Manchester City and Arsenal pulling further ahead; the gulf is astonishing," he wrote.
This disparity, he argued, makes any delay in integrating new signings even more costly. Regarding Florian Wirtz, Merson admitted he is a fan of the German youngster, describing him as "a special talent," but confessed that the player has not yet delivered the impact Liverpool hoped for. "I don’t know how long they can wait on Wirtz," he said, emphasizing that the club needs immediate contributions to keep pace with the top teams.
The same uncertainty applied to Bradley Barcola. While Barcola possesses impressive speed, Merson questioned whether raw pace alone fits Liverpool’s style. "You don’t have to be the fastest man in the Premier League at Liverpool; you need a little more than sheer acceleration," he explained, suggesting that the club requires a player with greater tactical intelligence and guile – qualities he associated with Mohamed Salah’s early success at the club. Merson warned that relying solely on pace could become a tactical liability.
He noted that opponents often sit deep and defend compactly against Liverpool, forcing the Reds to develop alternative strategies beyond speed. He recalled the opening 15‑20 minutes against Everton, where Liverpool looked brilliant – fluid passing, intelligent movement, and genuine chances – yet the failure to convert those opportunities seemed to erode confidence.
"When you don’t score, the mindset shifts," he observed, stressing the importance of early goals to build belief. Confidence, according to Merson, is the cornerstone of any successful football side, regardless of age or level. "If you can bottle one thing, it’s confidence," he said, adding that Liverpool currently lack the self‑assurance needed to dominate matches. He contrasted this with Arsenal’s recent form, noting that the Gunners have a relatively relaxed atmosphere, free from the pressure of being labelled "bottle‑jobs".
Their recent fixtures – away at Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool – have showcased a team that plays patiently, creates chances, and ultimately finds the net, reinforcing their status as a hard‑to‑beat side. Turning to Liverpool’s squad depth, Merson argued that the club possesses an abundance of quality players and one of the best managers in the business, which should safeguard them from any serious relegation threat.
He did, however, label the recent defeat to Nottingham Forest as "terrible" and "worrying" because, despite dominating possession, Liverpool failed to find the back of the net. He remains confident that the Reds will avoid any catastrophic slide, but he acknowledges that they are experiencing a temporary dip in form. Looking ahead, Merson highlighted the upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham as a potential turning point.
"It’s a massive game for both clubs," he said, noting that a victory could generate momentum that carries through the international break. Conversely, a loss could deepen Liverpool’s confidence crisis. He urged fans to tune in to the live broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m.
on September 15. In summary, Merson’s column paints a picture of a Liverpool side at a crossroads: a talented roster, a respected manager, but lingering doubts about tactical flexibility, player integration, and mental fortitude. The next few weeks, especially the clash with Tottenham, will be crucial in determining whether the Reds can shake off their early‑season rust and re‑establish themselves as genuine title contenders.