Salah’s 31 Sprints and Slot’s Tactical Tweaks: How Liverpool Dominated Ipswich 2-0 | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Tactical Triumph Against Ipswich: Under Pressure Podcast Analyses Start of The Slot Era

In the latest Under Pressure podcast hosted by Dan Kennett on Anfield Index, Liverpool’s performance in their opening game under Arne Slot was dissected with remarkable precision.

Joined by Sport Scientist Simon Brundish and Tactics Analyst at The Times Hamzah Khalique-Loonat, the trio delved deep into the tactical nuances of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory against Ipswich. The episode provided invaluable insights into Liverpool’s first steps in the Slot era, emphasising key players and statistical highlights that defined the match.

First Lineup Under Arne Slot

The anticipation was high as Liverpool fans waited to see how Arne Slot would set up his team. Simon Brundish noted the surprise inclusion of Quansah, stating, “Quansah retaining his position was probably the biggest surprise.” This selection showcased Slot’s trust in the youngster, despite the presence of established players like Ibrahima Konaté.

Hamzah Khalique-Loonat emphasised the tactical shift with Gravenberch playing as a deep-lying midfielder, comparing him to Endo. He pointed out that Gravenberch’s ability to “receive on the turn and play forward” differentiated him from Endo, who is more of a “destructive high tackle turnover machine.” This contrast in styles added a new dimension to Liverpool’s midfield, providing flexibility in both offensive and defensive transitions.

Match Summary: Possession, XG and Big Chances

Liverpool dominated possession, holding 59% compared to Ipswich’s 41%. The total shots tally favored Liverpool 18-7, with big chances being a crucial stat—Liverpool had six big chances, while Ipswich had none. Dan Kennett highlighted this as a “huge change straight away” and a stat that needs to be repeated consistently throughout the season.

The first half was relatively uneventful, with Liverpool struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Hamzah observed, “There was a real lull from the 15th minute to around the 30th, where literally nothing happened.” Ipswich set up in a 4-2-4 out-of-possession shape, making it difficult for Liverpool to break them down. The narrow setup, with Robertson often squeezed against the touchline, limited Liverpool’s attacking options.

However, the second half saw a significant shift. Liverpool’s xG (Expected Goals) split between the halves was telling—0.3 in the first half compared to 2.6 in the second. This change was driven by tactical adjustments and increased aggression in winning duels and second balls, as noted by Simon Brundish.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s Vintage Performance and Trent’s World-Class Display

One of the standout performers was Mohamed Salah. Rolling back the years, Salah was a constant threat with his relentless pace and work rate. Simon Brundish highlighted Salah’s “31 sprints,” which is a staggering number, especially considering his average was around 26 during his peak years. Salah’s movement off the ball and his ability to exploit spaces behind the defense were crucial in Liverpool’s attacking play.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had a relatively quiet first half, came into his own in the second. Hamzah described Trent’s influence as “immense,” particularly noting his ability to create space and deliver dangerous passes. Trent’s expected threat (xT) in this game was one of the highest in his career, emphasizing his pivotal role in Liverpool’s build-up play. His connection with Salah, often a hallmark of Liverpool’s attacking play, was on full display, with Trent delivering pinpoint passes to the Egyptian winger.

Touch and Passing Metrics: Liverpool’s Midfield Dominance

The touch and passing metrics from Dr Phil’s stats pack further reinforce Liverpool’s dominance in midfield. Players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai stand out with high percentages of touches in the middle and final thirds. This is indicative of Liverpool’s control over the game’s tempo and their ability to dictate play.

Interestingly, the data also shows Trent Alexander-Arnold’s influence on the game. His ability to progress the ball from deeper areas, as highlighted in the stats, showcases his role as a playmaker from the right-back position. His expected threat (xT) and expected assists (xA) are among the highest in the team, emphasising his creative impact.

The Typical Slot-Ball Goal and Tactical Changes

Liverpool’s second goal epitomised the “Slot-ball” style of play—precise, calculated, and devastatingly effective. Starting with a Van Dijk aerial win, the ball quickly transitioned from defense to attack, culminating in a brilliant assist from Salah to Jota. This goal was a classic example of how Liverpool’s tactical adjustments under Slot are beginning to take shape.

Simon Brundish praised the team’s ability to control the game and create opportunities through structured possession, stating, “We remembered we can go back to go forward.” This patient buildup, combined with aggressive pressing when out of possession, is a hallmark of Slot’s philosophy and was evident throughout the match.

Photo: iMAGO

Handling Negative Transitions Better

One of the key improvements discussed was Liverpool’s handling of negative transitions. In the past, Liverpool struggled when losing possession, often leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks. However, against Ipswich, the team showed significant improvement. Dan Kennett noted that “Liverpool managed negative transitions really well,” with key players like Szoboszlai and Trent making crucial recovery runs to snuff out Ipswich’s counter-attacks.

Hamzah also highlighted Gravenberch’s role in this aspect, particularly his ability to “carry the ball and create dangerous situations,” which helped Liverpool maintain control even in transition phases.

Shot Maps and Duel Success: Liverpool’s Clinical Edge

The shot maps provide a visual representation of Liverpool’s attacking efficiency. With a total xG of 2.66, Liverpool created high-quality chances, with most of their shots coming from central areas inside the box. This highlights their tactical execution in getting into dangerous positions.

Additionally, the duel success maps reveal Liverpool’s physical dominance across the pitch. Players like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté won crucial aerial duels, while the midfielders consistently won their battles, contributing to Liverpool’s overall control of the game.

Promising Start to the Slot Era

Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Ipswich marked a promising start to the Arne Slot era. The team’s tactical flexibility, combined with standout performances from players like Salah, Trent, and Gravenberch, provided a glimpse into what could be an exciting season for Liverpool fans. While there are still areas to improve, particularly in breaking down stubborn defenses, the signs are positive.

The Under Pressure podcast on Anfield Index, with insightful analysis from Dan Kennett, Simon Brundish, and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat, offered a detailed breakdown of the match, emphasizing the importance of statistics in understanding Liverpool’s performance. As the season progresses, these tactical insights and statistical analyses will be crucial in assessing Liverpool’s development under Slot.