Liverpool took a notably more conservative approach against West Ham United on Sunday and that could point the way forward short-term for Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during the Premier League match at West Ham United on November 30 2025
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during the Premier League match at West Ham United on November 30 2025
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There's always a Bill Shankly quote. And to paraphrase the Liverpool managerial great, football is a simple game that can on occasion become far more complicated than is necessary.
Most head coaches are guilty of such over-elaboration. So when matters go awry, a return to the fundamentals very often becomes both the default setting and the foundation to rebuild confidence and belief.
Such was the case for Arne Slot at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon when, after back-to-back dire home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven sent Liverpool tumbling to their worst run in 72 years, the Reds boss began a week that could have major ramifications for both the immediate and long-term future.
After nine losses in 12 games, Slot's side simply dare not fail against a West Ham United side that, while improving under new coach Nuno Espirito Santo, did not represent the same threat as recent opponents.
The focus after a deserved 2-0 victory was undoubtedly on the big calls that all paid off for Slot - dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench, showing faith in the impressive Florian Wirtz as number 10 and giving Alexander Isak the start to score his first Premier League goal since his British record £125million arrival from Newcastle United in September.
But arguably the most notable change came in the shift in mentality and tactical approach. While not a line-up primed for rearguard action as at Manchester City last season, Liverpool nevertheless made a conscious decision to become harder to beat.
Ryan Gravenberch and in particular Alexis Mac Allister more often than not held their position at the base of the midfield. Dominik Szoboszlai, replacing Salah on the right flank, regularly tucked inside to offer assistance to the midfield.
Joe Gomez was given a first Premier League start in 11 months as a recognised right-back and brought balance to a defence in which both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate made a conscious effort to play matters safe, notably when it came to clearances, while Milos Kerkez continued his recent improvement with a determined display to keep Jarrod Bowen in check.
Wirtz and Cody Gakpo, who scored the second, pressed with vigour down the inside left channel. And that Salah remained on the bench highlighted how Liverpool were keen to keep what they had following Isak's opener.
Yes, it wasn't overly pretty but it worked. West Ham, who had scored nine goals in their previous four games, didn't manage a single shot on target. And for those who believe the xG metric carries weight, the Hammers total of 0.3 was the lowest Liverpool had conceded this season after the miserly 0.13 managed by Burnley in September.
"There was definitely an emphasis on trying to have a solid foundation and trying to keep a clean sheet and defensively being sound, and then we know we have so much quality going forward that things will happen, the boys will get chances and they can take them," said Gomez.
"We have to take the win and appreciate it – obviously it’s been a tough time so it’s not about disregarding it but it’s also about just knowing it’s one of many and hopefully a bounce-board for us to crack on.
"We want to play a style of football where it’s combinations and certain patterns of play but at the same time that can sometimes leave us a bit open.
"It’s obviously a balance and we’re also away from home. Every game in the Premier League is tough and we’ve obviously felt that, and it’s just hopefully a foundation for us to build on."
Indeed, aesthetics weren't at the forefront of Slot's thinking at the start of last season when resilience and defensive solidity were behind his switch from Jurgen Klopp's tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 formation to a more secure 4-2-3-1 approach. Control was the watchword, notably from the back.
At this stage last season, after 21 games Liverpool had conceded only 15 goals and kept 11 clean sheets. Sunday represented only a fifth clean sheet in all competitions this campaign, during which the Reds have shipped a whopping 34 goals. That cannot continue.
With only eight points covering Manchester City in second and Fulham in 15th, there is an opportunity for Liverpool to make significant progress up the table between now and the New Year, starting with the visit of Sunderland - who are one point and two places above the Reds - on Wednesday. Going back to basics can now be the way forward for the Reds.