Video Analysis: Liverpool’s Victory Over Crystal Palace

Liverpool’s recent 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace is a testament to their remarkable form and growing dominance under Arne Slot. The win, achieved away from home, solidifies their place at the top of the Premier League table. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the podcast by Panenka LFC, breaking down key moments of the game and discussing how Liverpool continues to improve, especially with changes made by Slot. Let’s explore the game and the analysis provided by the contributors in the podcast.

Key Tactical Adjustments in Liverpool’s Win

Arne Slot’s tactical flexibility has been a notable feature of Liverpool’s recent performances. One of the key talking points was Slot’s decision to rotate the squad following the Champions League game against Bologna. “It was kind of expected that the Dutchman would bring some changes going into this Palace game,” one of the hosts mentioned. As predicted, changes were made with Kostas Tsimikas, Curtis Jones, and Cody Gakpo being drafted into the starting lineup.

The tactical tweaks didn’t stop there. Liverpool employed a high build-up formation, often forming a 3-1-6 shape to control the game. “Both Tsimikas and Trent kept on swinging up and down to form the back three,” the podcast noted, while McAllister and Jones occupied half spaces to pin down Palace’s midfield. The absence of a traditional number nine was another highlight, allowing Diogo Jota the freedom to roam and create spaces for the attackers, ultimately leading to Liverpool’s only goal of the game.

Dominance in the First Half

Liverpool’s first-half performance was nothing short of dominant. As the podcast explained, “The Reds lined up in a 3-1-6 high build-up… McAllister and Jones occupied the half spaces, pinning Palace pivots in place.” This tactical setup allowed the team to maintain a whopping 73% possession in the first half, showcasing the control that Liverpool exerted over their opponents. The contributors also mentioned that Crystal Palace had a meagre 0.08 xG (expected goals) in the first half, only managing their first real chance in the 46th minute.

Cody Gakpo’s performance was particularly praised. One of the hosts remarked, “The Dutchman’s performance on the left-hand side is the ultimate proof that he needs to be used as a left winger.” Gakpo not only created five key passes but also contributed defensively, winning six out of eight duels, emphasising his all-round contribution to the team’s success.

Room For Improvement

Despite the impressive win, the podcast highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly in Liverpool’s second-half performance. Palace managed to get eight shots off in the second period, compared to just one in the first half. While Liverpool’s defensive resilience was evident, especially with standout performances from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the podcast noted that “there’s still room for improvement, especially in transition phases.”

Curtis Jones was another player who drew attention for his underrated contributions. “His ability to receive under pressure and his constant movement were key for the way we progressed the ball,” a contributor commented, highlighting his versatility in midfield. Ryan Gravenberch, who played as the lone pivot, also garnered praise, although the podcast suggested he still has some way to go in improving his movement off the ball.

Looking Ahead

As Liverpool heads into the international break, the team faces a challenging set of fixtures upon their return. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton are among the clubs waiting for Liverpool in the Premier League and domestic cups. The podcast concluded by emphasising that these upcoming matches will be the true test of Arne Slot’s management and tactical nous. As one host aptly summarised, “The tougher games are yet to come… these are going to be the ultimate test for our next slot.”

With key players such as Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones stepping up and the defensive pairing of Van Dijk and Konate in fine form, Liverpool is in a strong position. However, there are questions around whether Liverpool will need to target a new number six in the upcoming transfer window. The podcast left listeners with an open-ended question: “Do you think Liverpool should target a new number six to play alongside Gravenberch?”

In conclusion, Liverpool’s victory over Crystal Palace was yet another step towards title contention. However, the upcoming fixtures will require further tactical adjustments and improvements to maintain their momentum.