The starting lineup for Liverpool in this match was once again surprising, with Frimpong replacing Salah as the right winger, Jones replacing Mac Allister as the left defensive midfielder, Kerkez playing left back, and Szoboszlai playing right back, which was within my expectations.
This starting lineup is somewhat better than the previous match's formation without a left winger, but the problem is that Frimpong only knows how to make crosses, and Gakpo only knows how to cut inside, making their tactics too predictable and easier for the opponent to defend against. Wirtz in the center was in better form than in the last match, creating a few threatening opportunities, but unfortunately, his teammates couldn't capitalize on them.
After the opponent exaggeratedly earned a penalty and took the lead, Liverpool, affected by fatigue from consecutive matches and the away game, had more possession but not many clear chances to score. Most of their shots missed the target, while the opponent's counterattacks remained quite threatening. In the 52nd minute, Allison was injured while saving a one-on-one and had to leave the field. In the 62nd minute, Slot substituted Salah for Frimpong at right winger, Isak replaced Gakpo as the center forward, Ekitiké switched to left winger, Bradley replaced Gravenberch at right back, and Szoboszlai moved to right defensive midfielder. After Isak came on, he had a good opportunity, but unfortunately, he missed it as he wasn't yet in form. A few minutes later, in the 68th minute, Ekitiké was injured and replaced by Mac Allister, with Wirtz moving to left winger. The team's attack lost momentum and failed to create more good chances. Due to the exhaustion of substitution slots, Ngomoha also didn't get a chance to come on and challenge the opponent's defense. The penalty earned in the chaos in the 88th minute being overturned by VAR was also reasonable.
Liverpool suffered two consecutive away defeats. Losing one or two matches is inevitable, but what is concerning is that the team's lineup and tactics still haven't stabilized. With many new signings, the team is still in a period of adjustment, and it is estimated that it will take some time to reach a normal state.
Before the international break, there is still an away match against Chelsea in the Premier League, leaving little time for rest. The team needs to continue rotating to get through this tough schedule. Salah should start as the right winger, Gakpo continues as the left winger, and Isak as the center forward. Mac Allister and Gravenberch should play as left and right defensive midfielders, respectively. I hope Wirtz will be the attacking midfielder, but Chiesa might also rotate in. For the defense, I hope Roberson will be the left back, Bradley is expected to be the right back, and there should be no changes in the center backs, with goalkeeper Mamardashvili replacing the injured Allison. If Ekitiké is not injured, he might substitute Gakpo as the left winger. I think Szoboszlai should take a break, but he might still play in midfield or as right back. The current lineup is still struggling to cope with the dense schedule, and if there is an opportunity in the winter transfer window, I hope to add a winger and a center back.