Paul Merson says the chorus of boos at Anfield shows Arne Slot is under real pressure, but he still expects Liverpool to finish above Manchester United next season.
Liverpool have endured a tough campaign, a sharp decline after winning the Premier League in Slot’s first season. Their hopes of sealing Champions League qualification remain uncertain after a 1-1 home draw with Chelsea that drew a hostile reaction from the crowd. Despite that, Slot is thought to retain the backing of the club hierarchy and has publicly vowed the team will look different next season.
On Sky Sports News, Merson acknowledged the difficulties at Liverpool — the injuries, inconsistent form and off-field noise — but argued the present situation doesn’t mean the club is doomed. He pointed to a recent substitution debate when “Rio” was taken off in the Chelsea game while Cody Gakpo stayed on. Slot said the player had cramp, but Merson felt the crowd’s reaction underlined how quickly faith can evaporate when supporters think decisions are wrong.
“I feel for them with everything that’s gone on and the injuries they’ve had,” Merson said. “But Slot’s up against it when the crowd are letting you know that.” Still, he added, the squad has quality and can recover.
Why Liverpool might still finish above United
Merson explained his confident prediction by contrasting the squads. He believes Manchester United have had several above-average performers this season, but Liverpool have fewer consistent standouts beyond Dominik Szoboszlai. With United likely to bring back players such as Alexander Isak to full fitness and with talents like Florian Wirtz expected to adapt further to the Premier League, Merson nevertheless thinks Liverpool’s underlying quality and potential improvements will see them end the campaign and next season above United.
“United have had six or seven players who’ve been above average this season,” he said. “But with players returning and Liverpool’s quality, I’m confident Liverpool will finish higher.”
On Arsenal’s place in history
Merson also weighed in on the debate over Arsenal’s season. While some have argued that a Premier League and Champions League double this season could be the club’s greatest ever, Merson insisted the 2003/04 “invincibles” will always hold a unique place.
“Winning both trophies could happen again, but being unbeaten for a whole league season is something else,” he said. “That invincible team will always be special.”
VAR drama: West Ham v Arsenal
Merson gave his take on the pivotal VAR decision that disallowed West Ham’s stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal after a VAR review. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially awarded the goal but overturned it following a pitchside review, ruling Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had been fouled as he attempted to claim a corner.
Merson called the incident a “stonewall” foul and argued there was a lot happening around the play that justified the decision. He suggested that if Raya had come out and cleanly caught the ball, the contact would have led to a penalty for West Ham because of the fouls in the area. He also questioned whether Raya needed to be in that position but praised the referee for making a big call in front of tens of thousands of fans.
“There’s so much going on around the foul,” Merson said. “If Raya comes and catches the ball, West Ham will get a penalty because players are fouling. Fair play to the ref for making a big decision.”
Chelsea managerial speculation
Finally, Merson discussed the Chelsea vacancy. Xabi Alonso has been widely linked to the job, and Merson acknowledged Alonso’s strong CV — particularly his work at Bayer Leverkusen — but noted his limited experience in the Premier League and mixed spell at Real Madrid.
While Merson said he’d keep Slot at Liverpool given last season’s success unless the club had decided otherwise, he suggested Marco Silva as a credible candidate for Chelsea. Silva’s Premier League experience, steadiness and recent work at Fulham make him, in Merson’s view, a practical fit for a club that needs someone who understands the demands of English football and can steady the ship.
“You always think Alonso will be the next Liverpool manager,” Merson said, “but I’d keep Slot. If Chelsea want someone who’s steady and knows the Premier League, Marco Silva ticks the boxes.”
Overall, Merson accepts Liverpool’s season has been disappointing and that Slot faces a tough reception from supporters, but he remains optimistic about the club’s short-term prospects and predicts they will finish above Manchester United next season.