How Liverpool Tactical Flexibility Could Overwhelm Arsenal Defence | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Midfield Battles and Tactical Insights from Anfieldindex’s Dan Kennett

The eagerly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Arsenal promises to be one of the Premier League’s most tactically engaging matchups this season. With both teams in contention for the top spots, every element of their approach will be tested. On the recent Cannon Stats podcast, hosted by Scott from Cannon Stats, Dan Kennett from Anfieldindex provided an in-depth preview ahead of the showdown, unpacking Liverpool’s midfield prowess, tactical adaptability, and the challenges Arsenal could face.

Liverpool’s Midfield Trio: The Key to Success

Kennett highlighted Liverpool’s revamped midfield trio as a major strength. The addition of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister alongside Gravenberch has, according to Kennett, transformed Liverpool’s style under manager Arne Slot. He observed, “That midfield three… Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch, it’s what’s holding it all together.” He went on to praise Slot’s faith in these players, noting that “The manager comes in, he puts him there, backs him, and honestly, he’s been incredible.”

Kennett compared this current midfield to the structure seen in Jurgen Klopp’s era, noting Slot’s knack for in-game adjustments. This adaptability has allowed Liverpool to maintain compactness and control, particularly in tight spaces—an approach that could prove challenging for Arsenal’s midfield, especially if Declan Rice and Thomas Partey play centrally. Kennett mused, “I would suggest that we won’t overcommit…but we’ll likely say, you know, Diaz up against Ben White, that’s a good matchup for us.”

Arsenal’s Defensive Dilemmas

Scott and Kennett dove deep into Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially with some key players either doubtful or out of the lineup. Kennett, sensing an opportunity for Liverpool, commented, “If Zinchenko’s up against Salah… that favours us.” Recalling Zinchenko’s struggles against Liverpool while at Manchester City, he said, “Historically, you know, Zinchenko had some terrible games against us.” With Arsenal’s backline already stretched thin, Liverpool may look to exploit these weaknesses, particularly through their wingers, adding another layer to the tactical intrigue.

The Salah vs. Saka Dynamic: Current Form and Prospects

The podcast also explored the question on many fans’ minds: can Bukayo Saka rival Mohamed Salah? Salah’s current form remains unrivalled in the league, with Kennett sharing, “He’s the fastest Liverpool player ever in history to get to five goals and five assists in a season.” Comparisons between the two are inevitable, but Kennett pointed out that while Saka is on a similar trajectory, Salah’s impact remains unmatched. He acknowledged Saka’s potential, remarking, “He has the potential to maybe be the heir apparent,” yet underscored the longevity of Salah’s contributions, saying, “He’s already got seven goals and seven assists this season—it’s just wild.”

Kennett suggested that Liverpool’s approach might involve playing Salah against Arsenal’s left side, anticipating mismatches in open play. Should Salah find himself up against Zinchenko or even a backup, his explosiveness could be a game-changer, reinforcing Liverpool’s attacking advantage.

Liverpool’s Tactical Flexibility Under Slot

One of the standout points from Kennett was Liverpool’s new-found tactical flexibility. Slot’s in-game adjustments have been pivotal, according to Kennett, and he expressed confidence in Slot’s managerial style: “Slot is very, very good in-game, and he will react…maybe after 10-15 minutes within the game as things shift.” Comparing Slot’s approach to the stability Jurgen Klopp provided, Kennett noted that Slot’s tactical tweaks allow Liverpool to “fan out more…and take a wider pitch,” providing additional options to counter opposition setups.

This flexibility could be instrumental in countering Arsenal’s pressing and possession-based game, with Liverpool having the ability to adapt to various game scenarios. As the game unfolds, this adaptability could determine Liverpool’s ability to maintain control and create scoring opportunities against Arsenal’s high-press defence.