Liverpool's starting lineup once again proved surprising: Frimpong replaced Salah at right winger, Jones replaced Mac Allister at left defensive midfielder, Kerkez played left back, and Szoboszlai at right back was as I expected.
This lineup was an improvement over the previous match's formation without a left winger. However, the problem lay in Frimpong's tendency to solely focus on crossing from the byline and Gakpo's habit of cutting inside. Their patterns were too predictable, making it easier for the opposition to defend. Wirtz showed better form in the center compared to the last game, creating several threatening opportunities, but unfortunately, his teammates failed to capitalize.
After the opposition took the lead from a dramatically won penalty, Liverpool—hampered by fatigue from consecutive matches and the away-ground disadvantage—dominated possession but created few genuine scoring chances. Most shots sailed wide, while the opposition's counterattacks remained dangerous. In the 52nd minute, Allison exited injured after saving a one-on-one. By the 62nd minute, Slot made several substitutions: Salah replaced Frimpong on the right wing, Isak came on for Gakpo as center forward, Ekitiké shifted to left wing, Bradley replaced Gravenberch at right back, and Szoboszlai moved to right defensive midfield. Isak immediately had a good chance after entering but missed it, still not fully settled into the game. Minutes later, Ekitiké was injured and replaced by Mac Allister in the 68th minute, with Wirtz shifting to left winger. The team's attack lost momentum, failing to create further chances. With all substitutions used, Ngomoha couldn't enter to challenge the defense. The penalty awarded amid chaos in the 88th minute was rightly overturned by VAR.
Liverpool suffered their second consecutive away defeat. Losing one or two matches is inevitable, but the concern lies in the team's lineup and tactics still lacking stability. With numerous new signings, the squad remains in a period of adjustment and will likely require more time to reach peak form.
Before the international break, there's another Premier League away fixture against Chelsea. With little time for rest, continued rotation will be necessary to navigate this demanding schedule. Salah should start on the right wing, with Gakpo continuing on the left and Isak as center forward. Mac Allister and Gravenberch should occupy the left and right defensive midfield positions respectively. For the attacking midfielder role, I'd prefer Wirtz, though Chiesa could rotate in. At the back, I'd like Robertson at left-back, with Bradley expected at right-back. The center-back pairing should remain unchanged, and Mamardashvili will replace the injured Allison in goal. If Ekitiké is fit, he could replace Gakpo on the left wing. Szoboszlai probably needs a rest, though he might still feature in midfield or at right-back. The current squad is struggling to cope with the packed schedule. If possible during the winter transfer window, I'd like to see us add another winger and a center-back.