Liverpool fans expressed frustration after the 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield, with many criticising Arne Slot's tactics and team selection
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool ECHO readers have been voicing robust opinions following the latest match, with many scrutinising team selection, strategy and vigour. A number of readers honed in on high-profile players and the team's structure under Arne Slot.
Liverpool secured a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield. Chemsdine Talbi broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, but the Reds levelled the score in the 81st minute thanks to an own goal by Nordi Mukiele.
The most promising chance of a rather lacklustre first half came when Trai Hume's long-range shot was nudged onto the crossbar by Alisson Becker, followed by Alexis Mac Allister hitting the post with a header from a Joe Gomez cross.
Clearly dissatisfied with the first-half performance, Liverpool manager Arne Slot introduced Mohamed Salah, who had started on the bench, at half-time.
Despite showing improvement after the break, the Reds found themselves trailing midway through the second half.
One reader, Mcenroe believes: "Excellent call from Slot; Salah has been poor this season and nobody should be in the team purely based on reputation. The team looks physically weak with both Salah and Wirtz in it. Gomez at right back, gives defensive stability; it's a sad reflection, of our lack of defensive depth that Slot felt he couldn't risk playing him more.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during the Premier League game against Sunderland.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during the Premier League game against Sunderland.
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"I look at our squad and Arsenal's and the Arsenal midfield and defence is ridiculously strong, fantastic strength in depth; we need a quality centre half and a midfielder who is tenacious, energetic and has quality. Elliot Anderson would do nicely. Hopefully a centre half in January at the very least."
NigelRG thinks: "So much for Liverpool’s revival! A good result against a weak team didn’t mean much. Our attack has largely degenerated into hopeful high balls into the box. That’s Championship stuff. Some thoughts
"Isak is a Haaland-type who needs service. Pep abandoned his lifetime philosophy to make City into a team that got the ball to Haaland. Slot hasn’t made that decision. Until this change is made, Ekitike’s a better bet.
"I’m not sure what Wirtz’s best position is, but it’s certainly not right wing. He was anywhere but and a bit better on the left. He seems to be mostly in the centre. Salah at least holds his position but is still not really up to speed."
Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool against Sunderland
Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool against Sunderland
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Sny feels: "Slot needs to wake up. His slow build up play is just too damaging to the team. Just hook Gakpo and Szoz off, play a diamond midfield, with Endo sitting in front of the defence and Ekitike up front with Isak. That's the only way one of Wirtz's through passes is going to see effect."
Kingofthekloppynwa97 comments: "Federico has to start now so does Hugo wow also the players in the 30s been great for years time is up everything comes to an end and it’s them . The team to flat no urgency no hunger no 50/50 won come on slot wake up , even on the touchline we need to get a grip sort it Arne or just resign sport to say it but had too?"
Dignity states: "Big game at Leeds at the weekend looks a tough ask with that display tonight & especially with Leeds starting to turn a corner, we’re going backwards. I hate to say no passion, no hunger, and no desire."
Earlgrey suggests: "Draw, win, lose - this is fooling no one! We've been turned into BoringPool! And - in case it's gone unnoticed - and I've been sounding the alarm for years - we have players who don't even sprint one single time during matches."
In the comments section below - let us know how you feel about the situation Liverpool have found themselves in.