Liverpool stand on the precipice of their 20th English top-flight title, needing just 16 more points to mathematically seal the Premier League crown. But instead of sheer elation, a sense of anti-climax and uncertainty shrouds Anfield after a bruising week for Arne Slot's men.

The Reds, dominant for much of the season, faltered in decisive moments, first seeing their Champions League dreams dashed by Paris Saint-Germain, then losing the League Cup final to a resurgent Newcastle United. Those defeats have raised concerns about their form and future, even as they remain heavy favorites to clinch domestic glory.

A CHASTENING WEEK FOR LIVERPOOL

At Wembley, Newcastle out-thought and out-fought Liverpool, lifting their first domestic trophy in 70 years. Slot admitted the Magpies deserved their triumph, emphasising the strength of the opposition and the unpredictability of football.

"This is part of playing football," he remarked. "One loss came against the best team in Europe, the other against a very strong English side."

Despite the setbacks, Slot and his squad have attempted to shift focus back to the league. With a commanding 12-point lead and nine games remaining, the Reds are in pole position to reclaim their title. Their most daunting remaining fixture, against Arsenal at Anfield, may be rendered meaningless should they maintain their advantage.

THE MISSING SPARK

At the season's outset, Liverpool fans would have gladly taken a league title in Slot's debut campaign following Jurgen Klopp's departure. Yet, their early-season promise in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions had fueled dreams of a historic treble. Those aspirations have since crumbled, and a slight dip in form has cast shadows over their march to the title.

Liverpool have won just five of their last 10 matches across all competitions, losing three—including the penalty shootout heartbreak against PSG. Mohamed Salah, usually the talismanic force in attack, has found the net just once in his last five outings, struggling for his usual spark in the final third.

AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

The on-field concerns are compounded by unresolved contract situations for three key players—Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. With just months left on their deals, speculation swirls over their futures.

Salah has been heavily linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, while Real Madrid reportedly have their eyes on Alexander-Arnold. Van Dijk, now 33, admitted he had "no idea" if he would remain at Anfield next season.

Even if Liverpool manage to retain some of their aging stars, the team appears closer to the end of an era than the beginning of one. Van Dijk, Salah, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker are all in their 30s, while defensive stalwart Andy Robertson isn't far behind. These players formed the backbone of Klopp's title-winning side, but change is inevitable.

THE CHALLENGE AHEAD FOR SLOT

Slot has done an admirable job stepping into Klopp's shoes, overseeing a largely successful first season. But the true test lies beyond this campaign. Winning the title is one thing; sustaining success amid an evolving squad is another.

Barring an unprecedented collapse, Liverpool will soon be crowned champions. However, the club faces critical decisions in the coming months—decisions that will define whether they remain a dominant force or enter a period of transition.

For now, though, their eyes remain on the prize, even as uncertainty looms just over the horizon.