The Rainbow
A glimpse of the old Liverpool.
It’s been raining for weeks on Merseyside. Like, I know autumn looks lovely on Instagram, but the people who have a thing for it always seem to forget the reality of random downpours every five minutes.
Indeed, a dark cloud has been hanging over Anfield for about six weeks now. Ahead of the weekend, Liverpool’s last win at home came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on September 23rd.
That’s a long time to go without experiencing triumph, with Arne Slot losing six of his last seven matches in all competitions. But I’m going to try and keep this post as sunny as possible, because the Reds finally got back to winning ways on Saturday night.
The match against Aston Villa was needed, and that’s probably an understatement. Liverpool scored two goals. Nobody got injured. They didn’t concede first. They didn’t give away a penalty. They won on xG. Giorgi Mamardashvili kept a clean sheet. Normality restored, right?
As Liverpool continue to navigate what has proved to be a miserable fall period for everybody involved, the display against Villa was a timely change in weather. A bit of sunshine. A rainbow between showers.
Slot seemed to go back in time to deliver three points in this one. He basically picked all of the starters who won the Premier League last term, with the exception of Mamardashvili in place of the injured Alisson Becker, and Hugo Ekitike up front.
Otherwise, it was very much as you were. Andy Robertson back in defence, Dominik Szoboszlai pressing high close to Mohamed Salah, and Alexis Mac Allister looking more like his wonderful self.
It all felt very familiar. Salah posted 52 touches, his most in any game this season excluding Liverpool’s weird bout at Turf Moor two months ago, when Burnley showed no interest in having the ball. The Egyptian posted 53 that day.
Robertson appeared more composed than Milos Kerkez in deeper areas, with his presence impacting Liverpool’s progression through the thirds, in additon to Virgil van Dijk’s mental health. I’m not sure the skipper quite trusts Kerkez just yet, which perhaps explains why he’s been overcompensating and making uncharacteristic defensive moves of late.
The whole thing made a lot more sense tactically. The blueprint from last year worked then, and it still works now. Much more harmonious. Salah stays high, Szoboszlai covers him, Robertson does third centre-back bits, Mac Allister dictates, and Ryan Gravenberch glides while extinguishing the odd fire.
It was good. Just 0.4 xG conceded. And it just goes to show that Liverpool have still got a really talented squad. The key is compatibility and cooperation. With so many clashing profiles and new faces, the Reds have lacked that this season.
With hindsight, maybe Slot should’ve started the new campaign with this approach. The squad has changed quite a lot over the past few months. And Slot has allowed his players to feel that turnover.
I’m talking about subtle decisions. Like, maybe Robertson should’ve remained as a starter until Kerkez truly won the shirt. That’s kinda what Jürgen Klopp did when Alberto Moreno was at the club.
And when it comes to Florian Wirtz, perhaps as a means of integrating him safely as a 22-year-old whizz-kid, Slot should’ve fielded him on the left for a few months before giving him the number ten shirt further down the line.
I know, I surprised myself writing that sentence. I’ve been against Wirtz being deployed on the flanks more than anyone. But I’m talking about a temporary way of getting him on the pitch to experience the intensity of English football, without having to fight against dogs in the centre.
Then, over time, as Wirtz grows in confidence, you move him inside. Pep Guardiola did similar with Phil Foden. You get to know the flanks first. You won’t hurt the system out there. Then, you can move inside when you’re ready. We’ve got time.
But I want to be clear, these points are fuelled entirely by hindsight, because I was initially pleased when Slot integrated Kerkez and Wirtz without hesitation. Now, upon reflection, maybe the Reds boss changed too much too soon. Who knows?
Alright, enough positivity. The rainbow has subsided. I do just want a throw a few concerns out there having watched Liverpool get back to winning ways on Saturday.
First, kinda like Eintracht Frankfurt, Villa helped us. For some reason, Unai Emery played into our hands. You’d honestly think the Spaniard had never watched Liverpool based on his approach.
The claret and blue outfit committed to building from the back, and largely refrained from hitting the long balls that Slot’s men have struggled to deal with of late.
Indeed, Emiliano Martínez launched just 30 per cent of his 47 passes, the lowest of any goalkeeper that Liverpool have faced all season. And in total, Villa attempted just 54 passes longer than 30 yards from a possible 508, the joint-fewest posted by a team facing the Reds this term, level with Chelsea.
So the Reds were able to press high, and gained belief and support from the stands due to their success in doing so, with Salah’s opener stemming from a high turnover.
If the Midlands side had gone long a bit more often — with two examples clipped below — perhaps they would’ve caused Liverpool more problems. At the very least, they would’ve limited their number of chances created from turnovers.
Villa also seem to be lacking pace right now, with Emery’s men struggling to pose much of a threat in transition. And they’re very narrow, too, having failed to use the wide areas for most of the season.
In addition to Villa being perfect opposition for Liverpool, it’s also worth pointing out that despite winning the contest, Slot didn’t actually solve anything. We’re kinda in the same place as last week when you think about it.
The Reds deserved to win — which is always healthy — but the questions surrounding virtually all of the club’s new signings remain. Wirtz was introduced as a late substitute and played as a number nine. I felt sorry for him.
Kerkez didn’t get on the pitch, and Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong remain sidelined for now. Slot has to integrate these guys without compromising Liverpool’s performances. That’s been his job all season. It’s still his job now.
Let’s hope he finds his pot of gold sooner rather than later.
In this quote I’ve reason for lots of hope”The Reds deserved to win — which is always healthy — but the questions surrounding virtually all of the club’s new signings remain. “ Are you saying we’re good like last year when playing the players from last year?! That’s pretty good right? And the other guys can win their shirts.
Words of wisdom, Josh! Arne Slot might want to give them serious consideration.