Slot tactics questioned for ‘bizarre’ call | OneFootball

Arne Slot Faces Scrutiny Over Tactical Call and Alexander Isak Omission

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence took a significant hit at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City’s 3-0 victory not only exposed tactical shortcomings but reignited debate over Arne Slot’s decision-making. Chief among the talking points was Slot’s refusal to bring on £125 million signing Alexander Isak — a choice that left supporters and pundits alike questioning both the strategy and the striker’s fitness.

Slot’s Tactical Choices Under the Microscope

From the first whistle, Liverpool appeared second-best. City dictated tempo and possession, stretching Slot’s system to its limits. Erling Haaland opened the scoring, with further goals from Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku sealing a dominant display for the hosts. As the game drifted away, Slot introduced Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Milos Kerkez, Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez — but Isak, the marquee summer signing, remained on the bench.

It was a decision that baffled many. TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook was among those critical, questioning how Liverpool’s most expensive player could be deemed too unfit to feature when the side trailed by three goals. “Surely he can’t be so unfit,” Crook said. “They’ve been chasing the game from the first minute, and he’s not brought him on. How can you?”

Slot defended his post-match selections by pointing to conditioning and long-term management, yet the optics were clear — Liverpool lacked a focal point in attack, and Isak’s absence only underlined the imbalance in Slot’s evolving tactics.

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical Identity in Transition

Liverpool’s shift under Slot has been evident since his arrival. The high-pressing fluidity that defined the Jurgen Klopp era has given way to a more measured, possession-heavy style, with greater emphasis on structured build-up play. But against elite opposition, particularly Manchester City, this measured tempo has often appeared passive rather than patient.

Slot’s tactical identity hinges on positional discipline and recycling possession to create overloads. Yet, without a fully fit Isak leading the line, the system falters. The Swede’s movement and link-up play were integral to Slot’s blueprint at Feyenoord — but in Liverpool red, those principles have yet to materialise.

With just one goal in eight appearances, Isak’s adaptation has been slow. Injuries have disrupted his rhythm, but questions linger over whether he fits Slot’s tactical demands or whether the manager must evolve his approach to accommodate such a technically gifted forward.

Isak’s Struggles and the Pressure to Deliver

Isak’s record-breaking transfer was designed to add cutting edge and competition to Liverpool’s frontline. Yet, his 429 minutes of Premier League football have yielded little end product. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike, signed for £79 million from Eintracht Frankfurt, has contributed six goals in 16 outings, underlining both his consistency and the stark contrast in fortunes.

The challenge for Slot now lies in reintegrating Isak without compromising tactical balance. The Swede offers a different profile — a forward who thrives between the lines rather than on the shoulder of defenders — but Liverpool’s current approach leaves little room for improvisation.

With key creative players like Florian Wirtz also struggling to influence matches, the pressure on Slot to recalibrate his tactical structure grows by the week. His insistence on control over chaos may bring stability, but it risks stifling the natural flair of his most expensive assets.

Mounting Pressure Ahead of Critical Run

Liverpool’s defeat leaves them eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal after just 11 matches, a gap that already feels decisive. History offers little comfort: in the past 15 Premier League seasons, only two title-winning sides have lost more than five games. Slot’s team have already matched that number, their title defence now hanging by a thread.

As the international break arrives, Liverpool face a moment of reflection. Nottingham Forest await next at Anfield — a match that may well determine the mood heading into the festive period. For Slot, the challenge is clear: rediscover the intensity that made Liverpool champions, reintegrate Isak effectively, and restore belief in a system that has begun to fray.

Whether he can do so may define not just Liverpool’s season, but Slot’s credibility as the man to lead them into a new tactical era.