5 Talking Points; Full-Backs Embraced

Liverpool prolonged their unbeaten run to 13 video games with a 3-0 win at Marseille, with Arne Slot‘s full-backs afforded the chance to showcase their greatest qualities.

1. Arne Slot will get it tactically spot on

He’s had sufficient criticism this season, so how about Arne Slot will get some deserved credit score for Liverpool’s efficiency on this one?

The Dutchman’s 4-2-2-2 formation did an ideal job of quietening down a Marseille assault that had scored extra objectives than PSG (41) in Ligue 1 this season, limiting them to 0.88xG largely earned by speculative photographs from outdoors the field.

It additionally allowed the Reds to simply work the ball from again to entrance, leading to 11 photographs and 1.49 xG generated – and that might have been a lot extra with some cleaner passing within the closing third.

The tweak to Ryan Gravenberch‘s positioning, which noticed him dropping in to right-back to provide Jeremie Frimpong licence to roam, additionally proved a masterstroke.

Slot has obtained a lot mistaken this time period, however this was a superbly coached efficiency that evokes actual hope that the Champions League may present a silver lining on this disappointing marketing campaign.

2. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez set the tone

Arguably the most effective factor about Liverpool’s slim setup is that it emphasised the qualities of their full-backs.

Apart from enjoying a key position within the second aim, Frimpong was a menace all night time down the suitable, pinning Marseille again and profitable 5/10 floor duels when pressured to defend.

Milos Kerkez, too, was full of life, locking down Mason Greenwood (I’ll allow you to add to that one…) in profitable 7/10 duels general and offering an outlet down the left.

The entire summer time’s enterprise appeared to be centered on what these two gamers may present, and so it absolutely is sensible to stay with a plan that makes essentially the most of that going ahead.

3. Joe Gomez shines in uncommon Liverpool outing after stepping in for Ibrahima Konate

Unsurprisingly, given his lack of minutes, Joe Gomez has tended to look rusty when known as upon this season, and so that you nervous for him this night.

However the Englishman barely put a foot mistaken standing in for Ibrahima Konate, absent for household causes, exhibiting simply why he has registered so many appearances for this membership down the years.

Gomez received 3/5 duels, posted three recoveries, and made seven clearances as a part of a sometimes composed efficiency.

He additionally confirmed he’s no slouch on the ball, finishing a ridiculous 100% of his passes.If solely he may keep match!

4. Mo Salah’s spat with Arne Slot seems to be over

This may occasionally not have been his greatest recreation in a Liverpool shirt, however the actual fact Mohamed Salah was concerned from the off felt important.

Previous to the Egyptian’s departure to the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot had felt that he had such a unfavourable impact on his workforce’s out-of-possession setup that he had no alternative however to drop him.

But right here the pinnacle coach was, beginning his No. 11 on the first obtainable alternative following his return in a Champions League away recreation wherein the Reds had been anticipated to be critically examined.

Salah didn’t reward that decision with an excellent attacking exhibiting, taking simply two photographs and creating one likelihood, however he did sufficient off the ball to justify his place.

Hopefully, the truce between the 2 that seems to have been known as can maintain agency going ahead.

5. Liverpool in driving seat for Champions League prime eight

With Liverpool’s type so mediocre coming into this, you felt {that a} level was the most effective they might hope for, and the reality is that wouldn’t have been the worst consequence by way of their top-eight possibilities.

However, after fairly surprisingly claiming all three in assured style, Slot’s males now all of the sudden look an extremely secure guess to keep away from a harmful two-legged playoff.

They sit fourth within the standings after seven video games performed, and their closing fixture sees 18th-placed Qarabag journey to Anfield.

If 16 factors will get you prime eight because it did final season, then absolutely the Reds are all however by?