Analysis: Frailties surface once more to trouble Slot

Liverpool once again failed to match the standards they set when strolling to the Premier League title last season as they went down to defeat in the cauldron that is this intimidating, deafening arena in Istanbul.

Arne Slot's side were were exposed at the back, with Alisson their saviour as Baris Alper Yilmaz was able to race clear on goal even before Galatasary went ahead from the spot early on.

Liverpool currently have a soft underbelly that has been a feature of their season so far, with several of their expensive stars struggling to make an impact, despite the fact they still stand top of the Premier League.

It took a stoppage time goal from Virgil van Dijk to win their opening Champions League game against Atletico Madrid at Anfield and, while there is no cause for concern yet about their campaign, the simple truth is that performances must improve.

Slot's decision to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench did not reap dividends, while £116m Florian Wirtz was once again anonymous.

This was a very bad night for Liverpool, capping a disappointing few days, with injury concerns over their outstanding keeper Alisson, as well as Hugo Ekitike, who went off in the second half.

Slot and Liverpool will hope for much better when they visit Chelsea on Saturday evening.