Liverpool's Premier League title defence is in crisis after a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, with manager Arne Slot taking full responsibility for the club's collapse.

The loss marked Liverpool's eighth defeat in their last 11 matches, leaving the champions in the bottom half of the table and far behind early-season expectations.

Forest, managed by Sean Dyche, recorded one of their most impressive wins under the former Everton boss, with goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White. The match highlighted Liverpool's ongoing struggles, with missed chances and defensive lapses proving costly.

Forest's opening goal was particularly controversial, with winger Dan Ndoye standing in the line of sight of goalkeeper Alisson, echoing a similar disallowed goal for Virgil van Dijk at Manchester City a fortnight earlier.

Despite the severity of the defeat, Slot refused to shift the blame onto officials or external factors. "No one wants to hear from me now talking about referee decisions if you lose 3-0 at home to Forest. I should look at myself first and my team," he said.

He emphasized that responsibility lies with him regardless of results: "You are responsible when you are winning but also responsible when you are losing. That is far from good enough and I am responsible for that."

Slot also highlighted the team's ongoing issues in front of goal. While Liverpool often dominated possession and created chances, they repeatedly failed to convert them, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.

"Almost constantly, we miss our chances, and the ones that go that we conceded - that will not continue all season. But we need to have that moment of energy, scoring a goal," he added. Slot pointed out that scoring first could have changed the momentum, but instead, Forest gained a confidence boost that compounded Liverpool's struggles.

Slot's self-reflection amid mounting pressure

Slot acknowledged the commitment of both players and fans, noting that everyone "kept on trying until the end." However, he admitted that effort alone would not be enough to reverse the team's fortunes.

Tactical adjustments have yet to yield results, and Liverpool's performances continue to fall short of expectations, with a negative goal difference reflecting their difficulties on both ends of the pitch.

Meanwhile, Dyche praised his side's work ethic and adherence to basics, saying: "The hard yards, the ugly side of the game ... that is excellent. We mixed it tactically, and the credit goes to the players." The win not only provided a confidence boost for Forest but also underscored the growing challenges Liverpool face under Slot's management.

As scrutiny intensifies, Slot remains resolute in accepting accountability while seeking solutions. His candid reflection underlines the gravity of the situation for Liverpool, who must now regroup and rediscover their form if they hope to salvage their season and climb out of the Premier League's midtable mire.