The starting lineup for this match was identical to the previous game against Chelsea, which contradicted my expectation that “Szoboszlai could replace the long-traveling Mac Allister at left defensive midfield, with Frimpong playing right back.” Mac Allister has consistently struggled after international breaks involving long journeys, and in this match he managed only 22 touches, leaving the left side of defense scrambling constantly. This may have been influenced by his early injury or the coach's decision to push him into a No.10 role. With both he and Szoboszlai operating as attacking midfielders, the midfield became disjointed. With only Gravenberch holding the midfield, opponents could counterattack directly against the defense. Conceding just two goals was fortunate.
Bradley showed great determination but lacked creativity in attack, preventing the right flank from organizing effectively. Salah was largely ineffective. Frimpong came on late and delivered one dangerous cross, but Gakpo headed wide. Earlier involvement might have created more chances.
The coach likely favored a left-sided attack, with Gakpo posing the main threat. Center forward Isak and right winger Salah saw limited opportunities on the ball. Gakpo delivered a goal and three shots hitting the woodwork, performing admirably. The issue lies in his crosses primarily targeting Salah, who isn't a strong header. The effectiveness of this Gakpo-centric approach remains questionable, feeling like it squanders the talents of other teammates.
It wasn't until the 62nd minute that Slot made substitutions: Ekitiké, Wirtz, and Jones replaced Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Bradley, shifting to a 4-2-4 formation with Jones
and Wirtz anchored the midfield, while four forwards lined up from left to right: Gakpo, Ekitiké, Isak, and Salah. This forward-heavy tactic was risky, likely under-rehearsed, and reliant on individual star performances due to insufficient team chemistry. As Man Utd's stamina waned, Liverpool dominated possession and created chances during this period, but players lacked coordination and even seemed to interfere with each other. In the 72nd minute, Chiesa replaced Isak. Amidst a scramble in the box, Wirtz calmly played the ball through the middle to the left flank. Chiesa delivered a short pass across the face of goal, where Gakpo pounced to score. By this point, it was already the 78th minute. Honestly, I hoped Frimpong would come on for Salah, who was clearly running on fumes both physically and mentally. But it wasn't until Man Utd scored again that Slot finally made a substitution—a bit too late.
The four consecutive losses don't reflect the team's true strength; they stem more from tactical decisions and mental state. Ekitiké's red card had a far greater impact than anticipated, disrupting the entire rotation plan. Rotation is essential for the next Champions League match against Frankfurt to give new players more time to gel on the pitch.
My suggested starting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Mamardashvili
Center Backs: van Dijk, Gomez
Left Back: Roberson
Right Back: Frimpong
Defensive Midfielders: Jones, Szoboszlai
Attacking Midfielder: Wirtz
Left Wing: Chiesa
Right Wing: Salah
Center Forward: Ekitiké
However, under immense pressure, Slot might opt for a more conservative approach, likely keeping Konate and Gakpo in the lineup. Insufficient rotation could have further detrimental effects on upcoming matches.