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The Anfield Index’s latest episode of Chat G&G brought together Gags Tandon and Grizz Khan to dissect Liverpool’s rollercoaster 3-3 draw against Newcastle United while looking ahead to a fiery Merseyside Derby against Everton. The insights provided by Gags and Grizz blend analysis, frustration, and cautious optimism about Liverpool’s trajectory under Arne Slot.
A Rollercoaster at St. James’ Park
Liverpool’s clash against Newcastle was anything but predictable. Grizz Khan described it as “a rollercoaster… it brought back memories of Liverpool-Newcastle games of years gone by.” He candidly admitted to being “fuming” after the game, despite acknowledging the incredible turnaround: “At the 88th minute, we had all three points in our hands.” This frustration stemmed from Liverpool’s defensive lapses, which gifted Newcastle their equaliser.
Gags Tandon chimed in, noting, “It was like a Jurgen Klopp-style game from the early years—end-to-end football. That’s not Slot’s way.” While Liverpool demonstrated mental resilience, mistakes by Caoimhín Kelleher highlighted the difference in class between him and Alisson Becker, with Gags stating, “We now understand why Slot says, ‘Alisson is my number one.’”
Reliance on Mohamed Salah
The panel lauded Mohamed Salah’s consistency. “The old man is Superman,” exclaimed Grizz, pointing to Salah’s league-leading goal tally at 32 years old. However, both acknowledged concerns about the heavy reliance on Salah. As Grizz noted, “It’s worrying, but every world-class team relies on their top player.”
Photo: IMAGO
Everton: A Different Beast at Goodison
Shifting focus to Saturday’s Merseyside Derby, the duo emphasised the unique challenges posed by Everton. Gags said, “Every year, Everton transform into Atletico Madrid at Goodison Park.” Grizz added that Everton’s energy and physicality will test Liverpool: “It’s going to be Newcastle part two.” Reflecting on last year’s Derby debacle, he labelled it “the most embarrassing Derby of the decade.”
Tactical Adjustments and Lineup Predictions
Liverpool’s squad rotation will be key against Everton, particularly in midfield. Grizz was firm on the starting trio: “It’s got to be Curtis, Gravenberch, and Dom. They’re pacy, big lads who can handle the Derby’s intensity.” He was less optimistic about Endo’s chances, stating, “He’s too slow for this game.”
For the front three, Grizz leaned on familiarity: “It’s Diaz, Salah, and Nunez. But even they need to step up.” Both pundits criticised Nunez’s inconsistency, with Grizz admitting, “I’ve never rated him, but I’ll support him until he stops wearing the Liverpool shirt.”
Challenges for Arne Slot
Arne Slot’s ability to impose his controlled style remains a point of contention. As Gags put it, “Slot tries to take emotion out of games. But will that work at Goodison?” Grizz expressed hope that Slot would maintain his tactical clarity: “We need to start better and avoid giving Everton’s crowd any encouragement.”
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool’s fixtures against Newcastle and Everton encapsulate the highs and lows of the season so far. With a demanding schedule and key injuries, the Reds must balance squad depth, tactical execution, and emotional resilience. As Gags summarised, “We’ve got a fantastic team. It’s not a one-man show, but the cogs need to work together.”
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