Game-State Control and Defensive Solidity Define Slot’s Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Tactical Evolution Under Arne Slot: Insights from the Under Pressure Podcast

Liverpool’s resurgence under Arne Slot has been a fascinating story of tactical ingenuity and evolution. On the latest episode of the Anfield Index: Under Pressure podcast, contributors Dan Kennett, Simon Brundish, Dr Phil Barter and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat explored the intricacies of Slot’s methods. From defensive solidity to game-state control, the discussion offered deep insights into Liverpool’s impressive season so far.

Game-State Mastery Defines Liverpool’s Season

“Game state is the biggest story so far,” emphasised Simon Brundish. He highlighted Liverpool’s exceptional control of matches this season, with the Reds leading for 52.7% of their Premier League games. Comparing this to previous successful campaigns, Brundish added, “The season we won 104 points out of 106, it was all about scoring the first goal in every game.”

Dan Kennett underscored the significance of this transformation, pointing out that in Liverpool’s title-winning 2019-20 season, they led 51.2% of the time. He added, “To be leading for 52.7% of the season is astonishing.” This game-state control has allowed Liverpool to conserve energy, reduce stress on players, and effectively manage their fixtures.

Defensive Compactness Is Key to Slot’s Success

Arne Slot’s tactical adjustments have not only brought balance but also redefined Liverpool’s defensive structure. Dr Phil Barter noted, “We are defending Zone 14 and the half-spaces far better this season. Opponents are simply not able to make passes into our box with the same frequency as before.” He attributed this improvement to the “two sitters in front of the defence,” which has dramatically reduced opportunities for the opposition to create high-quality chances.

Simon Brundish added, “Our rest defence has been transformed. We now build pragmatically, mostly out wide, with deeper players always maintaining their positions.” This change in approach has helped reduce Liverpool’s average xG conceded to 0.84 per 90 minutes—a defensive performance second only to their 2018-19 season.

Arne Slot’s Philosophy Balances Control and Attack

Liverpool’s attacking metrics under Slot also reflect a strategic shift. Hamzah Khalique-Loonat explained, “There has been a slight shortening of xG, but that’s because Liverpool are no longer chasing games. They’ve been leading early and easing through matches.” This low-event football, as it has been described, has led to fewer shots but greater control.

Dr Phil Barter provided a fascinating insight into the spatial dynamics of Liverpool’s play: “We only really probe down the wings with the threat from the full-backs to the wide forwards. The midfielders are all playing similar zones, overlapping each other in the centre circle.” This structure, he argued, has given Liverpool a consistent foundation across games, regardless of personnel changes.

Set-Pieces and Player Workload Remain Areas for Improvement

Despite Liverpool’s strong start, there are areas to refine. Hamzah Khalique-Loonat highlighted a surprising statistic: “Liverpool are converting set-pieces into shots at the lowest rate in the league this season.” He suggested that while tactical tweaks, such as using more in-swinging corners, have shown promise, there’s still room for improvement in this department.

Photo: IMAGO

Simon Brundish also raised concerns about player workload, particularly in midfield. “Ryan Gravenberch is on for 260% of his three-year average,” he said, noting the challenges of maintaining such intensity. Brundish warned that key players like Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté, who he described as having the “best season of his career,” need careful rotation to avoid burnout.

Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot has so far been defined by balance, control, and adaptability. As Dr Phil Barter put it, “The continuity of selection has allowed us to shrink the error bars and set the metrics in stone.” With crucial matches against Southampton and Real Madrid ahead, the Reds are well-positioned to continue their push for domestic and European glory.