Liverpool Scrape a Win but Key Players Struggle in Wolves Showdown

Liverpool may be perched atop the Premier League table, but their latest performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers leaves much to be desired. Under Arne Slot’s guidance, the team has exhibited resilience, but cracks in the armour were evident, particularly in the form of two high-profile players: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai. Despite their individual struggles, Liverpool managed to pull through, securing a crucial win that propelled them to first place.

Szoboszlai’s Tough Day

Dominik Szoboszlai’s move to Liverpool in 2023 carried with it a great deal of promise. Acquired during Jurgen Klopp’s final transfer dealings for a hefty £60 million fee, the Hungarian midfielder was hailed as a crucial upgrade to a once-flawed midfield. Slot’s tactical tweaks have allowed Szoboszlai to operate in a more natural attacking role, a move that fans hoped would unlock his full potential.

However, against Wolves, Szoboszlai failed to deliver the goods. His performance was underwhelming from start to finish, lacking the dynamism expected of a player of his calibre. GOAL gave him a harsh 4/10 rating, stating that he ‘didn’t look up to it at all’, and Sofascore backed that up with some worrying stats: no key passes, no tackles, and no interceptions. His only attempted dribble was unsuccessful, adding to the frustration.

While it’s easy to criticise, Szoboszlai’s adjustment period under Slot should be taken into consideration. He was thrust into a critical role under new management, which takes time to fully adapt to. That being said, the 23-year-old will have to sharpen his performance if Liverpool are to maintain their place at the summit. As it stands, his lack of goals is becoming a talking point, and he’ll need to find the back of the net sooner rather than later.

Alexander-Arnold Fails to Impress

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been Liverpool’s golden boy for several seasons, often being the creative heartbeat of the side. Known for his exceptional playmaking ability, Alexander-Arnold’s vision and precision passing have earned him a reputation as one of Europe’s elite full-backs. According to FBref, he ranks in the top percentile for assists, shot-creating actions, and progressive passes among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

However, his display at Molineux was anything but stellar. Alexander-Arnold seemed off the pace, misfiring on his typically accurate crosses and failing to make the expected impact on Liverpool’s attack. GOAL gave him a 5/10 rating, stating he was “below his best as he cut a frustrated figure at times.”

The stats further highlight his subpar performance: 23 possessions lost, two completed dribbles out of two attempted, and only 72% pass accuracy. While these are far from disastrous numbers, they fall short of the lofty standards he has set over the years. Despite these shortcomings, his defensive interventions were vital, particularly against Wolves’ counter-attacking threat.

This was not Alexander-Arnold’s finest hour, but considering his historical consistency, one off-day shouldn’t alarm Liverpool fans. His creativity is often what separates Liverpool from the pack, and Slot will be hoping for a swift return to form in their upcoming fixtures.

Slot’s Liverpool: Work in Progress

Arne Slot’s tenure at Liverpool has seen its fair share of ups and downs. While the victory over Wolves ensured Liverpool’s rise to the top of the Premier League, the performance itself showcased areas of concern. The team’s inability to maintain control, a hallmark of Slot’s philosophy, was glaring. Liverpool looked disjointed at times, particularly in the first half, where Wolves could have easily capitalised on their lack of cohesion.

This isn’t to say Liverpool are in crisis mode. Far from it. Slot has refashioned Liverpool into a team capable of grinding out wins, even when key players are underperforming. The hallmark of a great side is often its ability to win ugly, and that’s exactly what Liverpool managed to do. As Slot himself would likely admit, there’s plenty of room for improvement, especially in terms of control and fluidity.

The emergence of players like Konate, who delivered a commanding performance at Molineux, offers hope. His partnership with Alisson Becker was crucial in keeping Wolves at bay, despite a few moments of miscommunication. Slot’s defensive restructuring is still a work in progress, but it’s showing signs of promise.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool’s ascendancy to the top of the Premier League is a testament to the resilience Slot has instilled in the side. However, the lacklustre displays from Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold serve as a reminder that individual form can be just as crucial as team performance. With tougher challenges on the horizon, including clashes with title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, Liverpool will need their stars to shine once more.

The team’s ability to dig deep and secure wins despite not firing on all cylinders is promising, but Slot will know that maintaining top spot will require more than grit—it will require finesse, control, and the resurgence of key players.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, this win is a perfect example of the grit that’s becoming synonymous with Slot’s Liverpool. Sure, Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold didn’t have their best days, but isn’t that the mark of champions? Even when our top performers are off, we’re still finding ways to win, and that’s something we haven’t always done in past seasons.

We’d love to see Szoboszlai add more goals to his game, but it’s clear he’s still adapting to the new system. Patience is key, and if Slot can help him find his rhythm, he could be a game-changer moving forward. As for Trent, every player has an off day, but there’s no doubt he’ll bounce back stronger in the next game. His stats over the past few seasons speak for themselves, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s back to his world-class best.

Slot’s approach is working, and we’re optimistic about the future. If we can stay top of the table while not playing our best football, just imagine what happens when everything clicks.