Slot surprisingly deployed an unconventional 4-2-2-2 formation for this match, fielding Wirtz and Szoboszlai as dual attacking midfielders. With no designated left winger, the setup heavily favored the right flank. Slot explained this as an attempt to bolster midfield numbers, but it was evident the players struggled to adapt to the formation. Everyone looked awkward, resulting in a disastrous first-half performance. Had it not been for Alisson's heroic saves, Liverpool likely would have conceded 4-5 goals.
Slot finally made adjustments in the second half, bringing on Gakpo for Bradley at left wing and shifting Szoboszlai to right-back. The formation reverted to a more conventional 4-2-1-3, allowing players to perform more naturally and create several chances. With a dedicated left winger, Isak started receiving the ball more. He had a dangerous moment inside the box, controlling, dribbling past a defender, and taking a shot, but it went wide due to the defender's niggling fouls. Szoboszlai at right-back also avoided overlapping with Wirtz, delivering several quality crosses. Unfortunately, Wirtz's shot from one of these crosses lacked both angle and power and was easily saved. It's clear Wirtz needs a goal or assist to boost his confidence.
Despite controlling the game and creating chances, they couldn't find the net. Slot made substitutions in the 74th minute: Chiesa replaced Wirtz as attacking midfielder, Frimpong came on for Konate at right-back, Gravenberch dropped back to center-back, and Szoboszlai shifted to right defensive midfielder. The changes paradoxically weakened Liverpool's attack, forcing them to rely on Chiesa's energetic runs and pressing to create chances. He eventually scored in a scramble to level the match. In the 84th minute, Ngumoha replaced Isak on the left wing, with Gakpo shifting centrally. Slot intended to bolster the offense, but players seemed divided—some preferred passing to kill time, leaving the frontline starved of quality opportunities. A needless midfield error by Jones gifted possession to the opposition. During the final set-piece defense, another defensive lapse allowed the opposition to score the winner.
Set-piece defense has been consistently problematic, which is definitely not coincidental. It's likely an issue with the set-piece coach's training methods. Both Endo and Gravenberch have inadvertently headed set-piece deliveries toward their own goal, resulting in own-goal assists. The second ball in aerial duels frequently goes uncontested and unmarked. It appears the current set-piece coach lacks specialized training; the club's inability to recruit a suitable candidate has forced them to temporarily assign an internal staff member. Hopefully, they can eventually hire a genuinely qualified set-piece specialist.
Two away matches await within a week: the Champions League clash against Galatasaray and the Premier League fixture against Chelsea. Both pose significant challenges, necessitating careful squad rotation. Ekitiké is likely to replace Isak as center forward, with Gakpo shifting back to left winger. Wirtz will continue in the attacking midfield role, Szoboszlai at right back, and Roberson at left back. Gravenberch should be rotated out as his performance has dipped due to fatigue. Hopefully, if the team secures an early lead, he can be substituted for rest.