This match saw four adjustments from the last game in the starting lineup. Surprisingly, Isak replaced Ekitiké as the center forward so quickly, while the left and right full-backs Roberson and Frimpong replaced Kerkez and Szoboszlai, and Mac Allister's left central midfield position was taken over by Szoboszlai.
Isak's presence had a significant impact on the team; he was very stable in possession in the penalty area and decisive in his ball handling. He quickly developed a rapport with Wirtz, and although his two shots lacked power and angle, they were quite accurate. Once he returns to his best form, he will become a lethal weapon and is likely to activate Wirtz's assist capabilities. Isak's ability to hold the ball in the penalty area made Gakpo's position somewhat awkward; his inward cuts felt somewhat redundant, and dribbling and crossing in the box are not his strengths, which led to him being substituted in the 58th minute. Wirtz switched to left winger, and Mac Allister came on as an attacking midfielder. Ekitiké and Bradley replaced Isak and Frimpong, mainly to protect the players. Wirtz's style on the left flank is quite different from Gakpo's; he primarily relies on positioning and passing to create opportunities. Perhaps due to a lack of confidence, his shooting was not decisive enough, and maybe a goal or assist would boost his confidence. In the 74th minute, Ngumoha replaced Wirtz, shifting to a winger's explosive style, but against defenders still full of energy, his ability was not enough to break through the defense, although he did manage to create a corner.
This match created quite a few chances in open play, but only Gravenberch and Salah combined on the right flank to score the second goal. The other two goals came from a set-piece tactical play, where Roberson was fortunate to deflect Salah's free kick into the net, and the other was a stoppage-time header from van Dijk off a Szoboszlai corner. The level of set-pieces has clearly improved, and the chances created in open play have also significantly increased. Unfortunately, Salah hit the post with a shot in the penalty area that was unmarked, and Wirtz and Ekitiké each missed a good opportunity. If they had been a bit more clinical, the match could have been settled without needing a last-minute goal.
With Isak's arrival and the return of injured players, Liverpool's current squad depth is enviable. The team's tactical arrangements have more options, allowing for more rotation, which makes predicting the starting lineup more challenging. In the next match on Saturday against Everton in the Premier League, due to a schedule of three games in a week, rotation is expected. Mac Allister is likely to replace Szoboszlai as the left central midfielder, Kerkez to replace Roberson as the left back, and Isak, Wirtz, and Gravenberch may also rotate. However, considering the intensity of the city derby, it is expected that the number of rotations will not be too many, with a large-scale rotation anticipated for the League Cup next Wednesday.