🔗 Share this article

It is now appropriate to commence assessing Alexander Isak fairly as a record-breaking Anfield attacker, the Liverpool head coach commented on Friday. In that case, evaluation needs to be severe, but as the UK's most expensive footballer was seated next to Mohamed Salah on the Liverpool substitutes while the Premier League champions struggled to force an equaliser against their rivals in their absence, it was not the manager's underperforming attack that deserved the harshest criticism at Anfield. His defence has disappeared.

Quiet Display from Star Attackers

Yes, the Swedish striker was predominantly unnoticeable in the centre-forward position and Salah disappointing again as his difficulties persisted against the club he usually scores against. The Sweden international had his initial attempt on goal in the top division as a Liverpool player in the 35th minute, smartly stopped by United’s new shot-stopper Senne Lammens. The forward squandered a golden second-half opportunity facing the home end and could not complain when their substitution were shown. Cody Gakpo also struck the woodwork three times and somehow was unable to score a another goal shortly after Harry Maguire’s decisive goal.

Unthinkable Defeat Despite Opportunities

It seemed unthinkable for the hosts to lose a game in which they created plenty of chances, the manager remarked. But it is not impossible with a backline in current state, as Crystal Palace, another rival and now Manchester United have demonstrated.

Backline Breakdown Under Pressure

As he presided over a fourth successive defeat as the club's manager, the first man to do so since Brendan Rodgers in years past, the coach must have despaired at a defensive performance that invited United to dominate as well as their initial win at the ground since January 2016. Filled with the repeated issues that the team's coaching staff had worked on eradicating following the international break, including another set-piece goal, it was a performance that totally derailed the title holders' after halftime recovery and cost them the game.

Momentum Lost Even with Uptick

The upper hand was finally with the home side when the substitute equalized the forward's quick opener. Liverpool could feel one more late victory with substitutes Hugo Ekitiké, Curtis Jones and another forward igniting progress and United in retreat. Instead, it was a further last-gasp top-flight loss, the third in succession, after the team's set-piece weaknesses re-emerged and the defender found himself one of three opposition players unmarked past the centre-back in the 84th minute.

Purposeful Opposition Outperform

A powerful goal into the net that the player blazed over in the final moments of last season’s tie gave Ruben Amorim the best victory of his challenging club reign. Despite the criticism around Amorim it was his squad that played with obvious strategy and a well-executed plan for the bulk of a thrilling contest. The first consecutive league wins of the manager's reign were the outcome. The Liverpool side once more appeared like unfamiliar at times, particularly when allowing a set-piece score for the fifth time in the Premier League the current campaign.

Early Opener Reveals Defensive Issues

The home side were found wanting from the inception to the finish of Mbeumo’s 62-second opener. There was no purchase on the first attempt from the captain, a probable consequence of having to pass two players to reach the pass, admittedly, and no pressure on Bruno Fernandes when he received the ball and passed to the winger in open area on the right flank. Milos Kerkez was late to react, the centre-back slow to recover and follow the forward's movement while the goalkeeper, deputising for the unavailable first-choice keeper in net, was comfortably beaten from the position.

Officiating and Focus Questions

The manager could justifiably question his decisions and wonder why the whistle was from Michael Oliver, an referee with whom he has a contentious history, but also doubt the concentration and coordination among his defenders. The forward's strike means Slot’s team have managed only two shutouts in 12 matches so far, the last coming eight games previously at Burnley.

Constant Targeting of Left Flank

The visitors carved open Liverpool’s left side repeatedly in a opening period in which Fernandes, another player and also the attacker all nearly scored to doubling the visitors’ lead. Releasing Diallo early versus the full-back was obviously in the manager's tactic. It succeeded time and again in the opening half. The £40m new arrival from Bournemouth experienced a further tough evening in a Liverpool shirt. Set-pieces were also a issue for the previous player's chosen successor, who almost sent Mbeumo in on goal while making an challenge. Kerkez and Van Dijk appear on different wavelengths at the moment.

Coach's Explanation and Admission

“Our approach involves a many risks,” Slot explained after the opposition's victory. “After the second half we had multiple offensive members on the pitch. This is maybe why our structure for the set-piece was less organized as we typically are. Usually we would have more defending players on the pitch. Perhaps it is a coincidence but it is no justification. The team understands we have to do better.”