Hendrick: “Robertson has been a liability for two and a half years now” | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Defensive Struggles Against Fulham: A Tactical Analysis

Liverpool’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Fulham showcased both brilliance and flaws, offering an intense afternoon for fans at Anfield. Raw Podcast’s Karl Matchett, Jim Boardman, and Dave Hendrick provided compelling insights into the game, diving deep into Liverpool’s tactics, defensive frailties, and the decisions of Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager.

Defensive Concerns Continue to Plague Liverpool

Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities were a focal point of discussion. Jim Boardman opened with an observation on the recurring struggles: “Slot’s teaching us this new way… getting better at keeping leads, but today? That looked like the ghost of Klopp’s chaotic last season.”

Dave Hendrick, never one to mince words, criticised Andy Robertson’s performance: “He’s been between poor and crap every single week for two and a half years now. The goal? Entirely his fault. A left-back defending the back post like that… it’s unforgivable.”

Hendrick further lamented Robertson’s inability to adapt: “He’s a liability. A simple first touch, and he makes a hash of it. The last man challenge and red card summed it up — he’s been poor for far too long.”

Karl Matchett echoed similar frustrations about Liverpool’s fullbacks: “Robertson had a horror 15 minutes, but Trent wasn’t much better. His passing wasn’t diligent, and his set pieces were shocking.”

Slot’s Tactical Adjustments Under Scrutiny

Despite Liverpool’s defensive issues, Arne Slot’s tactical flexibility drew praise. Matchett highlighted how Slot handled Robertson’s early red card: “We saw Grabara move into an almost sweeper role. Van Dijk pushed left, Gomez covered left-back, and Slot delayed subs, trying to find balance.”

Photo: IMAGO

This adaptive approach, though not perfect, demonstrated Slot’s ability to manage crises mid-game. Hendrick noted, “Slot didn’t immediately throw on a defender — it wasn’t about panic. He gave it time, trying to find structure, which says a lot about his in-game management.”

Boardman added that the Anfield crowd, often Liverpool’s “12th man,” played a crucial role: “A wound-up Anfield is the best Anfield. The referee’s decisions — Robertson’s red, missed cards for Fulham — turned the crowd into a cauldron. You could feel the atmosphere boiling.”

Fulham’s Tactical Edge and Liverpool’s Resilience

Fulham, under Marco Silva, exploited Liverpool’s defensive lapses with clinical efficiency. The opening goal, a straightforward cross from Robinson to Pereira, was dissected by Matchett: “Passive defending on our right, Robertson’s back-post error — it was too easy for them.”

Hendrick pointed out Fulham’s effective use of their makeshift defence: “Their third and fourth-choice centre-backs were playing, yet Liverpool barely tested them early on. It’s frustrating when the weaknesses we identified pre-match aren’t exploited.”

However, Liverpool’s resilience stood out. Jim Boardman noted how Slot’s halftime adjustments injected energy: “We’ve seen it before with Slot — he finds a way. Even with 10 men, Liverpool controlled large parts of the game, creating chances.”

Refereeing Controversies Add Drama

Referee Tony Harrington’s decisions were another hot topic. Hendrick criticised his handling of challenges, especially against Liverpool: “Two clear reds for Fulham weren’t given. Diop’s boot on Robertson’s knee and Pereira’s studs on Gravenberch’s calf? Straight reds all day.”

Matchett added, “Fulham were physical, bordering on reckless. But the referee’s leniency gave them the upper hand, and Liverpool paid the price.”

Looking Ahead

Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Fulham was a tale of frustration and resilience. As Dave Hendrick put it, “We’re top of the league, but there’s a glaring weakness in defensive midfield and left-back. Fixing those areas is crucial if we’re to sustain this momentum.”

With Robertson’s form in question and defensive depth lacking, Slot faces tough decisions. But as the Raw Podcast emphasised, Liverpool’s ability to adapt under adversity remains a testament to the team’s grit and managerial acumen.