Paul Merson, writing his latest column for Sky Sports, opened up about his growing unease regarding Liverpool’s early‑season form while also questioning the club’s recent high‑profile acquisitions, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola. The Reds have now endured three draws in their first four Premier League fixtures, the most recent a goalless stalemate against Fulham at Anfield that left them perched in seventh place. Merson highlighted that Liverpool’s next test comes in the Carabao Cup, where they will travel to a struggling Tottenham side on Tuesday. The match, along with the upcoming league clash against Bournemouth, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports ahead of the international break, giving fans a chance to gauge whether manager Andoni Iraola can reverse the current trend.
Adam Bate of Sky Sports summed up the Fulham game as “unbeaten but unsatisfied,” a phrase that resonated with Merson. He echoed the sentiment, pointing out that while Liverpool have avoided defeat, the quality of their performances is far below the standards expected at Anfield.
"A 0‑0 draw at home is headline news for Liverpool, whereas a similar result for Bournemouth would barely raise an eyebrow," Merson wrote, underscoring the pressure the club now faces. The former England international also raised doubts about Iraola’s adaptation after his move from Bournemouth to the Premier League. "No disrespect to Bournemouth, but the jump to Anfield is massive," he said, suggesting that the manager may be finding the transition more challenging than anticipated. Merson believes the new boss must loosen the tactical constraints that have been holding the side back and allow his players more freedom to express themselves.
Beyond the immediate concerns, Merson turned his attention to the broader landscape of English football. He marveled at the widening gap between the league leaders—Manchester City and Arsenal—and the rest of the table, noting that the disparity is “mind‑blowing.” In his view, Liverpool’s inability to close that gap quickly could prove costly. When it comes to the club’s marquee signings, Merson admitted to being a fan of Florian Wirtz, describing the German midfielder as “a special talent.” Yet he confessed that the player has not yet delivered the impact Liverpool hoped for.
"I don’t know how long they can wait on Wirtz," Merson said, emphasizing that patience may be wearing thin. The same skepticism was directed at Bradley Barcola. While acknowledging Barcola’s speed, Merson argued that sheer quickness is insufficient for Liverpool’s style of play.
"You don’t have to be the fastest man in the Premier League, you need a bit more than pace," he explained, suggesting that the French winger lacks the guile that Liverpool traditionally values. He drew a comparison to Mohamed Salah, whose blend of intelligence and creativity made him a lethal force at the club. "Salah had that guile, that’s why he thrived here," Merson noted.
Merson also warned that Liverpool’s current tactical rigidity could become a liability. He observed that opponents often sit deep, forcing Liverpool to rely on individual brilliance rather than a cohesive attacking system.
This, he believes, is a key reason why the Reds have struggled to convert dominance into goals. Reflecting on a recent encounter with Everton, Merson praised Liverpool’s early play, saying the first 15‑20 minutes were “outstanding” and that their passing and movement created genuine problems for the opposition. However, the failure to find the net, he argued, allowed a negative mindset to creep back in.
"If you don’t score early, confidence erodes, and the belief disappears," he wrote, stressing that confidence is the most vital ingredient for any footballer, regardless of age or experience. Looking ahead, Merson is confident that Liverpool can still turn the tide, but he believes the club must secure early goals to rebuild belief. He also expressed a broader view of the title race, predicting that Arsenal will dominate their fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, making them extremely difficult to beat.
"They’re a hard, hard team to beat," he said, adding that Arsenal’s pressure has finally eased after a string of solid performances. Turning to the upcoming Carabao Cup tie, Merson described it as a potential “momentum swinger.” A victory could provide Liverpool with a psychological boost heading into the international break, while a loss might deepen their woes. He urged fans to tune in to the Sky Sports coverage, which will feature the match live at 9 p.m. on September 15.
In summary, Merson’s column paints a picture of a Liverpool side that, despite remaining unbeaten, is plagued by a lack of cutting edge, tactical inflexibility, and uncertainty over the integration of new signings. The former midfielder calls for a more liberated style of play, quicker adaptation from the manager, and a clearer plan for players like Wirtz and Barcola.
Only time will tell whether Liverpool can overcome these early setbacks and re‑establish themselves as serious contenders in a season where the top of the table appears increasingly polarized.