Liverpool made it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September with victory over Tottenham on Saturday.
The Reds have steadily been improving results over the past month, and are now unbeaten in five league matches.
With Christmas just around the corner, you would imagine the turnaround in fortunes would have led to a positive atmosphere among Liverpool supporters.
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Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?
Hugo Ekitike celebrates on the pitch at full-time after Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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However, while Saturday’s win was obviously a welcome one, fans are arguably more unhappy than ever following the victory.
Liverpool were terrible at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and had the game lasted much longer, they would surely have conceded an equaliser against nine-man Spurs. Things may be heading in the right direction on paper, but on the pitch, fans are still far from happy with Arne Slot.
Liverpool look no better despite getting wins on the board
In ordinary circumstances, Slot would have every right to be pleased with his team’s win against Spurs.
Although the Reds have an excellent record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is a tricky place to go for any side. With home games to come against Wolves and Leeds, this was a tough one to get out of the way. Liverpool have done that with a win.
Richarlison scores during Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League home match against Liverpool
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
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But in reality Liverpool deserve little praise for seeing off Tottenham. While the teams were both at full complement, the Reds did not look anything like scoring.
Slot set his team up far too passively, with Liverpool taking an age to release the ball on the attack.
Despite the more defensive-minded set-up, Liverpool also looked easy to play through, and had Spurs’ final pass been better they could have scored more than once in the first-half.
Which has been your favourite Ekitike goal for Liverpool so far? âš½
Last night's header has got to be up there!
Hugo Ekitike crosses his arms in celebration after scoring for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League (Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill – AMA
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Liverpool ended up clinging on desperately in a game which should have been comfortably put to bed at 2-0. Despite the two-man advantage, Slot’s team displayed a complete lack of control.
The Reds still look like a team who have no idea what they want to be and that all comes from the manager. Though results are picking up, the performances continue to cause alarm and concern.
Liverpool cannot falter again vs Wolves and Leeds
Whatever supporters think about Liverpool’s display in North London, the fact of the matter is that the Reds have put themselves into a good position heading towards Christmas.
With two home games to come against relegation candidates, there is no excuse for them not to kick on.
A more defensive approach away at Spurs can be excused – even if the performance itself cannot – but Slot must not set his team up in the same way against Wolves and Leeds.
Liverpool must remember who they are and go for the throat of both teams. Two better displays – and two more victories – would cement them within the top four and would lead to hope for the rest of the season.
But if Liverpool continue to look wishy-washy, the writing may be on the wall for Slot, even if his team secure two wins. Fans will put up with plenty if they are winning, but if they are still frustrated even with points being put on the board, it does not bode well for the manager.
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