Liverpool's stunning 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa has sent frustration boiling over, with one former Red now calling for manager Arne Slot to be shown the door. The loss at Villa Park wasn't just another setback—it was a wake-up call that has fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of the reigning Premier League champions.

Just weeks ago, Champions League qualification seemed all but secured. Now, after a string of shaky performances, the season finale against Brentford carries real pressure. What should have been a farewell celebration for legends like Mo Salah and Andy Robertson has turned into a nervy must-win affair.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant didn't hold back in his reaction. Taking to social media after the Villa collapse, he launched a blistering attack on both the manager and the club's ownership. "FSG, how on earth do you see something totally different to what I see and 99.9% of the fans see?" Pennant wrote. "To think next season will be any better under this management. Do you have unlimited funds we don't know about?"

But Pennant went even further, delivering a verdict that cuts to the heart of growing fan discontent. "I do not care what's going on with injuries... reigning Premier League champions should NOT have the same amount of losses as two promoted teams, Leeds and Sunderland. Slot has to go, that is NOT acceptable, the buck lies with you, and managers have gone for less, a lot less."

The numbers paint an ugly picture. Pennant highlighted a staggering defensive stat: "Liverpool FC have never previously conceded 52 goals in a 38-game league campaign. And there's still one more game to go!" He added, "Do you know how many records this manager has accumulated? And not for the good. It's horrendous. One game to go and still can't say if we will get UCL."

Only five Premier League teams have conceded more than Liverpool this season—a shocking stat for a side that lifted the title just last year. The defensive chaos was on full display at Villa Park, where Ollie Watkins admitted there was "a lot of space" to exploit. Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson summed it up best, calling the performance "a long way" from where the team needs to be.

For a club that prides itself on defensive solidity and winning mentality, this season has been a painful fall from grace. With one game left and Champions League hopes hanging in the balance, the pressure on Slot has never been higher.