After putting in a tepid first-half performance against Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool came out for the second period in much better shape.
The Reds just didn’t get going during the first 45 minutes, perhaps giving City too much respect and allowing them the lion’s share of possession. Something needed to change.
Thankfully, it did, with Liverpool playing with much more tempo and putting Pep Guardiola’s visitors under some serious pressure.
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Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League
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On the face of it, the Reds were set up exactly the same, with Arne Slot not making any half-time substitutions or alterations of system.
But that did not mean there was not a change made by the Liverpool boss. BBC Sport pundit Paul Robinson spotted it, and it absolutely worked a treat. The Reds were simply playing the ball forward much, much quicker.
Liverpool at their best when moving things quickly
For much of the season, one of the biggest criticisms of Liverpool has been that they are simply not enjoyable to watch.
Slot’s football has started to go down badly with the Anfield crowd, who want to see a faster, more purposeful approach to matches.
Arne Slot throws his arms wide during Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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As Robinson correctly noted, that was exactly what Liverpool offered up in the second period, with Slot – and the home support – getting exactly what they needed to see.
“This is better from Liverpool,” said the former England goalkeeper. “They have started this second half sharply and you can see the message from the manager; to get the ball forward quicker with more purpose rather than recycling the possession.”
City could not deal with Liverpool’s newfound sharpness, and although the Dominik Szoboszlai goal came from a set-piece, it all happened as a knock-on effect of a much, much better style of football from the Reds.
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Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring for Manchester City against Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield (Credit: Getty Photo Credit: Getty Images
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Liverpool can turn season around playing this way
Had Liverpool been playing like this all season, they would have won far more games than they currently have.
But even if they had continued to lose and drop points, at least supporters could have seen a style of football which they could get behind and enjoy.
For Slot himself, that would also have made all the difference. Liverpool fans want to watch attractive football, win or lose. Play slow, ponderous football and still end up losing? That is a recipe for disaster.
They may have ultimately lost, but they were genuinely unlucky to do so. Hopefully the second-half on Sunday can be the platform for Liverpool to build from for the rest of the campaign. If they can carry on in that manner, they could yet turn things around.
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