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Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield was a commanding performance that showcased Arne Slot’s tactical nous. With this result, Liverpool lead the Premier League table by nine points in December, leaving Arsenal and Chelsea trailing in their wake. The Reds have claimed 18 wins in 20 matches this season under Slot, and this win felt more than just three points—it was a statement.
Key Adjustments in Liverpool’s Lineup
Slot’s team sheet offered little in terms of surprises but included some significant tweaks. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to replace the injured Bradley, while Joe Gomez stepped in as a right-sided centre-back. Up front, Darwin Núñez found himself on the bench as Cody Gakpo occupied the left wing, and Luis Díaz assumed the false nine role, creating havoc for City’s ageing defensive line.
The tactical approach was clear from Liverpool’s xT heatmap: dominate the right half-space. Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, and Ryan Gravenberch combined fluently, with Díaz drifting wide to stretch City’s defensive structure. Salah’s sensational assist for Gakpo’s goal emerged from this exact area, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.
Salah and Alexander-Arnold Exploit City’s High Line
This particular sequence encapsulated Liverpool’s attacking precision. With City’s defensive line dangerously high, Alexander-Arnold had ample time to deliver a pinpoint pass from deep in his half. Salah’s perfectly timed run exploited the space behind the defence, allowing him to collect the ball in stride.
What followed was a moment of brilliance from the Egyptian forward. He carried the ball inward, patiently waiting for support before threading an inch-perfect cross to Cody Gakpo at the far post. The Dutchman only needed a simple tap-in to score. It was a beautifully crafted move, showcasing Liverpool’s ability to break down even the tightest defences with precision.
Szoboszlai’s Influence in Midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai was pivotal, delivering arguably his best performance of the season. His progressive passing was unmatched, as shown in this ranking chart. Energetic and composed, the Hungarian midfielder was instrumental in transitioning Liverpool from defence to attack, making intelligent pressing and passing decisions throughout the match.
City’s press, though relentless, often left gaps for Szoboszlai to exploit. On one occasion, as City’s midfield pressed aggressively, Szoboszlai dropped deep to receive the ball unmarked. This spatial awareness allowed Liverpool to bypass the press and initiate quick counters—like the one leading to Salah’s assist.
Dominance in the Final Third
Liverpool’s shot map illustrates their attacking dominance, with 18 total shots and a non-penalty xG of 2.8 compared to City’s 0.8. The Reds consistently found high-quality chances in central areas, with most shots coming from prime goal-scoring positions inside the penalty area.
Such efficiency in the final third reflects a well-coordinated attacking unit. Salah, Gakpo, and Díaz combined seamlessly, creating opportunities that City’s ageing defence struggled to contain. It reminded me of Liverpool’s midfield struggles in 2022, when a lack of dynamism exposed them. This time, however, the engine room—powered by Szoboszlai and Mac Allister—dictated the tempo brilliantly.
Effective Pressing and Recoveries
Liverpool’s pressing, though not as suffocating as in previous seasons, remained highly effective. With a medium-high 12.6 PPDA, they still managed 17 ball recoveries in City’s half, including four inside their penalty area. Such moments often laid the foundation for quick counter-attacks.
This approach underlines Slot’s tactical evolution—balancing intensity with positional discipline. Liverpool no longer press for the sake of it but rather focus on pressing where it counts, as demonstrated by their ability to create chaos near City’s goal.
Defensive Solidity Led by Van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk was a rock at the back, leading with 18 defensive actions, including crucial aerial challenges and interceptions. His partnership with Gomez provided stability, while Alexander-Arnold contributed defensively and offensively, highlighting his value as a hybrid full-back.
Gravenberch, too, deserves praise for his work rate and ability to disrupt City’s rhythm in midfield. It was a team effort that encapsulated Liverpool’s resurgence this season.
Win to Remember
Rarely have I watched Liverpool face Manchester City with such confidence that they would emerge victorious. This was a performance that blended structure with flair and highlighted the frailties of Guardiola’s side. City’s squad feels reminiscent of Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool in 1991, where a generationally brilliant team aged seemingly overnight.
Liverpool’s victory serves as a stark reminder of how quickly things can shift in football. For Liverpool fans, the excitement is palpable—if they maintain this level of performance, the Premier League title could well return to Anfield in Slot’s debut season.
Credit to Imre Borbely and xfb Analytics for the visuals.
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