The situation has transformed dramatically for the Premier League champions, who were once cruising to victory but now find themselves mired in a troublesome predicament.

Despite a staggering £450 million spent during the summer transfer window, the team has shifted from dominating the league to suffering weekly defeats. It’s not just the losses that are concerning; the quality of their play seems to be deteriorating with each match.

This dramatic downturn was unforeseen, yet here we find ourselves.

On Saturday evening, Brentford outmaneuvered the champions in every aspect, and the narrow one-goal defeat flattered the titleholders. Brentford could have easily netted five or six goals.

This latest loss marks their most dismal performance yet, coming on the heels of a home defeat by rivals Manchester United the previous week. Indeed, the level of play was that disappointing.

Nobody knows when things will start to turn around for the Reds, but I imagine Arne Slot will be hoping the end of the rancid run starts tonight.

But they are playing Crystal Palace, a team who have caused Slot a whole host of problems since he arrived on Merseyside.

It could be another long night for the Dutchman and his team.