The Raw Podcast “That first 25 minutes we absolutely ripped them to shreds.” | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Tactical Brilliance Shines Against Manchester City

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League was not just a triumph on the scoreboard; it was a showcase of tactical precision and individual brilliance under Arne Slot. This RAW podcast episode featuring Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick, and Jim Boardman delved deep into Liverpool’s commanding performance, emphasising the Reds’ prowess across all areas of the pitch.

Liverpool’s Dominance from the Outset

Dave Hendrick set the tone early, stating, “That first 25 minutes we absolutely ripped them to shreds.” He described Liverpool’s opening onslaught as reminiscent of their Klopp-era intensity, noting, “It was like watching Prime Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool.” Liverpool’s front three, spearheaded by Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Mo Salah, demonstrated relentless aggression. Gakpo’s opener came courtesy of a sublime Salah assist, which Hendrick described as “an inside-of-the-foot deliberate hit to the back post.” This goal epitomised Liverpool’s incisive attacking play.

Defensive Masterclass and Versatility

Liverpool’s backline earned high praise, with Hendrick singling out Joe Gomez for his contributions. “Joe Gomez was absolutely incredible,” he asserted, lauding Gomez’s defensive solidity and his ability to distribute the ball effectively. Similarly, Jim Boardman highlighted the team’s adaptability, particularly in the second half. “We sat back and let them have the ball, but they never laid a glove on us,” he remarked, underscoring Liverpool’s ability to defend compactly while maintaining a counter-attacking threat.

The presence of Virgil van Dijk was another key factor. Despite a rare lapse, Hendrick hailed Van Dijk’s overall performance, stating, “Virgil had more attempts on goal today than Erling Haaland.” This statistic underscored Liverpool’s aerial dominance in both penalty areas.

Photo: IMAGO

Midfield Creativity and Control

The midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch demonstrated why Liverpool’s engine room is one of the most dynamic in the league. Hendrick was particularly effusive about Szoboszlai, calling his performance “unbelievable.” The Hungarian’s composure and vision were instrumental in dictating the game’s tempo.

Mac Allister’s clever play also drew praise. Boardman noted how the Argentine cleverly “bought free kicks” to relieve pressure, a trait that added a touch of guile to Liverpool’s play. Gravenberch, often criticised for inconsistency, delivered a strong showing, with Hendrick acknowledging, “Gravenberch had a very good game…he looked bang up for it.”

Salah’s Penalty and Record-Breaking Performance

Mo Salah’s impact extended beyond his assist. His coolly taken penalty sealed the win and etched his name into the record books, surpassing Wayne Rooney with 36 Premier League games involving a goal or assist. Hendrick described Salah’s feat as “staggering,” especially given the Egyptian’s wide role compared to Rooney’s central position for much of his career.

City’s Struggles Highlight Liverpool’s Strengths

The podcast also explored Manchester City’s decline, with Hendrick and Boardman questioning Pep Guardiola’s ability to rejuvenate his side. “He looked like a lad whose head’s gone,” Hendrick quipped about Guardiola’s demeanour. Boardman noted City’s reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from De Bruyne, who is no longer the player he once was. “City looked like a team that has got half their players missing,” Boardman observed, adding that Liverpool’s collective strength made City’s squad depth irrelevant.

A Title Challenge in Full Swing?

Liverpool’s victory has not only solidified their position at the top but also reinforced their credentials as title favourites. Hendrick compared the current campaign to the 2019-20 season, stating, “We are absolutely elite at both ends of the pitch.” With 17 of their 20 games this season featuring two or more goals, the stats support his claim.

As the Reds march on, the team’s tactical flexibility, individual brilliance, and squad depth under Slot appear to be the perfect recipe for a sustained title challenge. Liverpool fans, as Boardman aptly put it, are “enjoying every minute of this season.”