Five Goals, One Red: Lessons Learned from Liverpool’s Cup Victory

Well it was cold and wet at Anfield on this Wednesday night, but the reds in attendance were excited for this one as Arne Slot named four attackers in the starting line-up. They were treated to an evening of real entertainment too with five goals and a red card in a Carabao third round tie.

There was a lot to like, some familiar names on the scoresheet and some we maybe didn’t actually want to see truth be told. Into the hat for the fourth round we go though as we look at the lessons learned from a victory over West Ham. Six wins in seven for Arne Slot’s men.

Attack, Attack, Attack!

Oooohhhhh he wears the number twenttttyyy! But he wasn’t the only one to grab headlines here as Arne Slot’s attacking options were on full display. Diogo Jota scored two Jota-type goals with a header from a Chiesa cross come shot and a side-foot finish after brilliant work by Jones.

Gakpo notched a double too with a brilliant strike from a Nunez assist and an unfortunate deflection from Todibo. Mo Salah even got in on the action for the third too, as all five Liverpool attackers who saw minutes contributed to the score. Luis Diaz didn’t even see a minute either. We have an embarrassment of riches.

Starting Line-up Yes, Subs No

Many reds were happy at the raft of changes that Arne Slot made. Only Kelleher and Nunez kept their places from Bournemouth and many were happy overall with the line-up. The substitutions raised a few eyebrows though and many weren’t ecstatic to see Salah and Mac Allister entering the fray around the hour mark.

Jota coming off seemed strange when he didn’t play a minute against Bournemouth and probably fancied his hat-trick. More importantly, two key Liverpool players who will have far more important days ahead of them played what many felt were unnecessary minutes. There just felt no real need with Tyler Morton on the bench too. We all knew Salah would score though. We all shit ourselves when Alvarez rattled him for his second yellow too.

Defensive Solidity Always A Big Ask

You can’t take out the entire back four and the two in front, then expect a team to be defensively as sound. Jarrell Quansah did his best Jamie Carragher impression and netted an own goal, having started ok but looked a bit rattled with the introduction of Antonio.

Tsimikas was his usual wild self, although it was worth it for the full headed dive and Lopetugi’s reaction. Bradley was lucky too that Summerville didn’t punish his mis-placed pass when he dragged it wide late in the second-half. Gomez was caught a few times, but this was an occasion where it didn’t really matter in the end. None of the usual starters will be too worried though.