Mac Allister returned from injury for this match, with Jones back on the bench. The rest of the lineup remained unchanged from the previous game. Possibly due to not being fully recovered, Mac Allister was not in top form.
Slot adopted a conservative tactical approach, prioritizing securing a draw while aiming for a win. In the first half, they conserved energy, reinforced defense, passed the ball around to slow the tempo, and avoided full-force pressing when out of possession, maintaining defensive positions to conserve stamina. After Jones replaced Mac Allister around the 60-minute mark in the second half, Liverpool began to push forward, creating several threatening attacks. Unfortunately, Wirtz's shot was saved, Ekitiké's follow-up goal was ruled offside, and Salah missed two excellent scoring opportunities. In the 80th minute, Szoboszlai delivered a stunning long-range free kick from the edge of the box, created by Jones, to break the deadlock. Arsenal resorted to long balls thereafter without creating significant chances, allowing Liverpool to secure crucial three points and reclaim the top spot.
Slot's tactical approach in this match surprised me. I expected him to leverage home advantage for an attacking push, but he opted for a more pragmatic, defense-first strategy, indicating a draw was acceptable. The team's defensive organization showed clear improvement compared to the previous two games. Kerkez, though still struggling defensively at times, held his position effectively and avoided reckless tackles. While conceding multiple corners, he limited the opposition's opportunities for crosses or breakthroughs. Szoboszlai excelled as the stand-in right-back, not only covering his defensive zone effectively to shut down opposition threats but also delivering a long ball to the left flank in attack and showcasing impressive free-kick technique—making Arnold completely forgotten. Konate's form has also slightly improved; hopefully, he'll renew his contract soon.
The attack looked somewhat disjointed due to the defensive focus. The main issue lies with Salah not yet fully adapting to his new role—shifting from an absolute focal point to a supporting role on the weaker flank, tasked with finishing or delivering the final pass. Once he integrates better, Salah's goal and assist tally should gradually rise.
The next match is away against promoted side Burnley on September 14th, following the international break. New signing Isak will likely need more time to adapt. Barring injuries, the starting lineup should remain largely unchanged. Mac Allister may come off the bench if he sees significant minutes for his national team, while Szoboszlai could return to midfield. If Bradley regains form, he might start at right-back. Despite being an away fixture, Liverpool's objective should undoubtedly be three points.