In a season full of frustration, Liverpool's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford marked another painful chapter—their 18th loss across all competitions. For context, the Reds haven't suffered more defeats in a single campaign since the 2009-10 season (19), and this tally now ranks among their worst since returning to the top flight in 1962.

The numbers tell a troubling story: Liverpool have conceded 17 goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season, the most they've ever allowed from dead-ball situations in a single campaign, surpassing the 16 they gave up in 1992-93. For a club built on defensive solidity, that stat alone highlights a glaring weakness that opponents have ruthlessly exploited.

Despite the gloom, there were bright spots. Cody Gakpo continued his remarkable form against Manchester United, scoring for the fifth time in just four Premier League starts against the Red Devils—his most goals against any opponent in the competition. The Dutch forward's knack for rising to the occasion in this historic rivalry offers a glimmer of hope for the future.

After the match, goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai didn't mince words. "It's not good. We go home with zero points," he told Sky Sports, his frustration evident. "After the first half, we shouldn't be happy at all. We should be who we were at the start of the second half." The Hungarian midfielder pinpointed the recurring issues: "You concede from a set piece. You talk about counter-attacks, and that's how the second goal happened. We have to focus more and look at the details."

When asked about his leadership role on the pitch, Szoboszlai remained humble. "You have to ask the players that. I try to do my best and hopefully set an example day-by-day. We have a lot of players who can set an example, and I try to be one of them. If it works, I'm happy." Looking ahead, he kept his focus short-term: "I don't focus on next season. I focus on these three games. We want Champions League next season because we belong there, but we'll see what happens in the future."

For Liverpool, the path forward requires addressing these defensive lapses and rediscovering the resilience that once defined them. As fans and players alike turn their attention to the final stretch of the season, every detail—and every set piece—will matter more than ever.