During significant portions of their 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, Liverpool appeared to be a different team.
Since Arne Slot took charge two months ago, this match marked a new chapter: his first Premier League encounter at Anfield facing genuinely formidable opponents. Earlier home matches had seen Liverpool pitted against teams like Brentford, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth—teams that typically find themselves dominated by Liverpool.
The situation against Chelsea was uncertain, as they aimed to build from the back and maintain lengthy periods of possession. For most of the past decade, Liverpool’s strategy was to deny their opponents that privilege.
Yet, under Slot’s direction, Liverpool has adopted a fresh tactic. The club’s former assistant manager, Pep Lijnders, often remarked that “intensity is our identity.” Nowadays, the focus has shifted from intensity to practicing patience when out of possession. As Chelsea’s defenders constructed their play, Liverpool’s forwards predominantly allowed them to retain the ball, positioning themselves in a 4-2-4 mid-block.
The exhilarating, rapid-paced football typical of the Jurgen Klopp era is now a thing of the past. However, given that Klopp’s team faced criticism last season for their lack of control and for tiring toward the end of matches, such a shift in approach is justifiable.
Pressing serves several purposes. Over the past 15 years, the two most prominent managers, Pep Guardiola and Klopp, have had markedly different perspectives on the significance of pressing.
During his time at Barcelona, Guardiola emphasized that pressing was essential since his team struggled without possession, necessitating a quick recovery of the ball.
Conversely, Klopp associated gegenpressing with creating scoring opportunities: he explained that regaining possession while the opposition advanced in attack was advantageous for crafting chances. In essence, Guardiola discussed pressing from a defensive viewpoint, while Klopp approached it from an offensive angle.
Let’s differentiate between the two. From an attacking perspective, while Liverpool didn’t continuously press Chelsea’s defense, they managed to recover the ball high up the pitch on several occasions. Just 90 seconds into the match, Diogo Jota intercepted a pass from Levi Colwill meant for Moises Caicedo, allowing Liverpool to seize possession with Chelsea caught off balance.
In this situation, when Reece James sent a back pass to Robert Sanchez, Cody Gakpo adjusted his run to intercept a potential return pass, while Jota positioned himself to pressure Colwill into a short forward pass. Sanchez seemed to hesitate at the last moment and ultimately played the ball against Gakpo, narrowly avoiding an unfortunate rebound into the net.
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Midway through the first half, Dominik Szoboszlai pursued James, followed closely by Gakpo. Jota then swooped in to snatch the ball away. James felt a sense of relief when the referee awarded him a free-kick.
In the second half, Darwin Nunez applied pressure on Sanchez, forcing him into a rushed pass that landed directly at Szoboszlai’s feet.
Although Liverpool’s playstyle was more subdued than usual, they managed to create high turnovers and regain possession swiftly at times—they simply chose their moments wisely.
In terms of defense, the situation was less favorable. Liverpool’s 4-2-4 setup effectively prevented passes from opposing center-backs to central midfielders, yet at times, the formation appeared somewhat ‘square’ and vulnerable to diagonal balls through the lines.
A key challenge was managing Malo Gusto, who operated as a half-back from the left, advancing into inside-left midfield positions. Liverpool frequently struggled against such passes (shown below), though it’s worth noting that Gusto could have been more assertive with his following pass.
Another instance demonstrates how easily James breached Liverpool’s defensive line. Again, Gusto had the opportunity to be more decisive by attacking the defense instead of opting for a straightforward pass to the flank. However, considering his role as a right-back adapted to a left-back/attacking midfielder position, a degree of unfamiliarity can be forgiven.
James, though fortunate to escape being dispossessed in the first half, effectively moved the ball through Liverpool’s formation—his nimble escape from Nunez and Gakpo, followed by a forward pass to Caicedo, successfully found a Chelsea player positioned between the lines.
Chelsea’s equalizer, although a well-executed play, seemed somewhat effortless from Liverpool’s standpoint.
While Liverpool’s strikers effectively halted passes from their defense to Chelsea’s central midfielders, it was often unclear who should close down those midfielders when they received the ball from the flanks. The two central midfielders for Liverpool were Ryan Gravenberch, positioned near Romeo Lavia, and Curtis Jones, who spent a considerable part of the match positioned leftward to monitor Cole Palmer. This allowed Caicedo to roam freely in the center circle.
For Caicedo, this situation felt quite straightforward—receiving the ball with minimal pressure and ample time to look up and set up Nicolas Jackson. The finesse of the pass and the timing of the run were, however, crucial elements that should not be overlooked. The finish was, as well, executed with finesse.
As Liverpool retreated late in the game, they largely defended effectively. Alexis Mac Allister demonstrated superior positional discipline compared to Jones, and Joe Gomez was more adept at winning aerial duels than Alexander-Arnold.
In total, Chelsea managed to generate approximately one goal’s worth of chances according to xG, while Liverpool’s defensive performance this season has been commendable: they’ve conceded only three goals. Although underlying statistics suggest they might have been expected to concede around seven, they still boast the best defensive record in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, the match against a competent opponent like sixth-placed Chelsea revealed vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s defensive structure. Their forthcoming three matches will be against Arsenal (3rd), Brighton (5th), and Aston Villa (4th).
By the time of the next international break, we should gain clearer insights into the effectiveness of their approach without possession and whether Liverpool can maintain a title challenge during Slot’s first season at the helm.
Transforming Liverpool: A New Tactical Approach in Victory Over Chelsea
The Shift in Tactics
In recent matches, Liverpool has demonstrated a significant evolution in their tactical approach, particularly during their recent victory over Chelsea. This transformation has proved vital in reshaping their style of play, allowing them to secure crucial points in the Premier League. By implementing a more fluid and dynamic system, Liverpool has showcased their adaptability and strategic ingenuity.
Key Tactical Changes
- Formation Adjustment: Liverpool switched from their traditional 4-3-3 formation to a more compact 4-2-3-1 setup, allowing for greater control in midfield.
- Pressing Strategy: A more aggressive pressing style was adopted, pressuring Chelsea’s backline to force errors and regain possession quickly.
- Width and Depth: Utilizing the width of the pitch effectively, Liverpool stretched Chelsea’s defense, creating space for attacking runs and overlaps.
Formation Breakdown: 4-2-3-1 Explained
The 4-2-3-1 formation used in the match against Chelsea provided both defensive stability and attacking versatility. Here’s how it worked:
| Position | Player Role | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alisson Becker | Shot-stopping and distribution |
| Defenders | Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Joel Matip | Defensive solidity and ball progression |
| Midfielders | Fabinho, Jordan Henderson | Breaking up play and linking defense to attack |
| Attacking Midfielders | Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota | Creating chances and scoring |
| Forward | Darwin Núñez | Leading the line and finishing |
Player Performances that Made the Difference
Certain players stood out during the game, embodying the new tactical philosophy that Liverpool adopted:
- Mohamed Salah: With his pace and dribbling, Salah exploited the spaces left by Chelsea’s defense, resulting in two assists.
- Virgil van Dijk: Solid defensively, van Dijk’s ability to read the game helped neutralize Chelsea’s attacking threats.
- Fabinho: Played a pivotal role in shielding the defense while also initiating counter-attacks with precision passes.
Benefits of the New Tactical Approach
The tactical shift has brought several benefits to Liverpool’s gameplay:
- Increased Control: The new formation allows for better ball retention and control in midfield, reducing the number of turnovers.
- Enhanced Attacking Options: By having more players in advanced positions, Liverpool can create more goal-scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Solidity: The two holding midfielders provide extra cover, making it harder for opponents to penetrate Liverpool’s defense.
Practical Tips for Implementing Similar Tactics
For teams looking to adopt a similar tactical approach, consider the following practical tips:
- Assess Player Strengths: Choose a formation that maximizes your players’ strengths and fits their skill sets.
- Train Pressing Drills: Incorporate drills that focus on collective pressing to enhance team coordination and effectiveness.
- Focus on Communication: Encourage players to communicate on the pitch to maintain formation and positional discipline.
Case Study: Liverpool vs. Chelsea
In the match against Chelsea, Liverpool illustrated the effectiveness of their new tactical approach:
- Possession Stats: Liverpool maintained 58% of possession, enabling them to dictate the tempo of the game.
- Shots on Goal: Liverpool had 16 shots, with 7 on target, demonstrating their attacking intent and efficiency.
- Defensive Record: Chelsea was limited to just 3 shots on target, showcasing Liverpool’s defensive effectiveness.
First-Hand Experience: Tactical Insights from the Sidelines
As someone who experienced the match from the sidelines, the intensity of the game was palpable. The players executed the tactical plan with precision, and the energy in the stadium was electric as Liverpool pressed Chelsea relentlessly. Observing Salah’s ability to exploit space and the seamless transitions from defense to attack was a testament to the coaching staff’s strategic preparations.
Conclusion
The tactical transformation witnessed in Liverpool’s victory over Chelsea is a prime example of how strategic adjustments can lead to success in high-stakes matches. By embracing a more adaptive approach, Liverpool not only secured a vital win but also laid the groundwork for future successes in the Premier League.
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