The Genius Thing Slot Changed For Liverpool To Beat Arsenal | OneFootball

Slot’s Tactical Changes Deliver Liverpool’s Victory Over Arsenal

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal was not a spectacle of end-to-end drama, but it was a demonstration of how decisive tactical changes can turn a tight game. Arne Slot’s side overcame a frustrating first half to secure a landmark result and move to the top of the Premier League with nine points from nine.

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The Panenka LFC podcast dissected every detail, highlighting how Liverpool’s composure and adjustments shifted momentum. “Dominik Szoboszlai smashed the ball so hard into the net it looked like he was about to rip it apart,” the host said of the stunning free-kick that sealed Liverpool’s first league win over Arsenal since 2022.

Arsenal’s Press and Liverpool’s First-Half Struggles

The podcast broke down why Arsenal were so effective in the first half. “Arsenal pressed us in a 4-4-2 shape. Their two strikers took turns closing down our centre backs with the one not pressing staying central to cut off passing lanes,” the analysis explained. “Their wide players tucked in to guard the half spaces while still being ready to step out and press our fullbacks.”

Zubimendi and Declan Rice man-marked Liverpool’s midfield duo, cutting off central progression. “Arsenal completely blocked central access and forced us to play either long or wide. From there, they pressed aggressively, shutting down our options,” the podcast added. Liverpool’s midfielders struggled to find space, and Arsenal’s structure forced Liverpool to recycle possession.

Second-Half Shift and Van Dijk’s Influence

Momentum turned after half-time. The Panenka LFC panel highlighted how Arsenal’s press faded and Liverpool’s backline pushed higher. “That shift tells the whole story of how the game started to tilt in our favour.”

Virgil van Dijk’s passing was a decisive factor. “Sooner or later, he will slice through you with one of those pinpoint balls,” the host said. A perfectly weighted ball to Dominik Szoboszlai nearly created a goal, only for Hugo Ekitike to be flagged offside.

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Slot’s willingness to adjust positioning, with Ryan Gravenberch dropping deeper and Milos Kerkez pushing higher, disrupted Arsenal’s block. “The movement of our midfielders pulled their block toward that flank, which in turn opened up space on the opposite side,” the analysis explained.

Photo: IMAGO

Curtis Jones’ Game-Changing Role

Substitute Curtis Jones was described as “a breath of fresh air in the second half.” His press resistance and ability to find pockets of space forced Arsenal to drop deeper. “Even when he received the ball under pressure, he stayed calm and composed,” Panenka LFC said. His involvement in the sequence that led to the decisive free-kick demonstrated his value.

Once Liverpool gained territory, Van Dijk’s distribution again proved vital. “Once again, he sliced straight through Arsenal’s block with another trademark ball,” leading to Szoboszlai’s thunderous strike. “That was simply one of the most unstoppable free kicks you are ever going to see in your life,” the host declared.

Mentality and Adaptability

The podcast praised Liverpool’s mental resilience. “They figured it out. They stayed patient and when the chance came, they punished Arsenal. That is the sign of growth.” The result was hailed as a sign of Liverpool’s evolution under Slot, showing tactical flexibility and the ability to grind out results.

While areas for improvement remain, particularly against compact midfields, the performance highlighted the team’s ability to adapt mid-game. “If the players keep adapting like they did today, then there is every reason to be excited about what comes next,” the host concluded.