Arne Slot at Anfield © Craig Heritage
Liverpool succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield, with a late Erling Haaland penalty enough to secure all three points for Manchester City on a bitterly disappointing Sunday night for the Reds.
The biggest indication to determine whether a manager is in the ‘elite’ category can be attributed to their OOP (out-of-possession) set-up and defensive principles. I believe it would be generous for me to say that Slot has been below average in that regard over the basis of our approach in games this season. Sunday was another stark reminder of how vulnerable we are when the opposition is in control of the football, especially a team with the skill set of Manchester City.
After taking the lead with 15 minutes to spare through a Dominik Szoboszlai wonder strike (reminiscent of his free-kick against Arsenal in August), the Reds failed to capitalise on a promising position. Instead, for the last portion of the match, Slot’s men sat back in a timid mid-block with little pressure on the City player in possession. This was a team that failed to use the fans and the Anfield atmosphere to galvanise the collective in search of what would have been a significant three points.
There was a lack of care in possession, notably from Alisson, whose pass ultimately led to the penalty, and Kerkez, who time and again looked for the overly ambitious ball forward. A directness which was the last thing Liverpool required at the time. Liverpool finished the match with just 78.5% passing accuracy (Man City at 84.5%), a season low in the Premier League.
Perhaps the plan was to drop off to encourage City to step on and then see to anything which fell in the 18-yard box. At this level, it is a huge gamble as 9/10 times, a team of City’s quality will generate at least one outstanding moment, and that proved to be the case.
Another damning stat revealed, showed that Liverpool have now conceded more result-altering goals (6) in the 90+ minute mark than any of team in the Premier League this season.
The team need to bounce back quickly, and tomorrow’s game away to Sunderland is a perfect chance to demonstrate a more positive, front-footed approach.
Onwards and upwards.
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