Goldbridge: ‘Liverpool are back’ as Reds dominate with 5-1 Champions League win | OneFootball

Liverpool dominate Frankfurt but lessons remain for Arne Slot’s side

Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League was the performance that fans had been waiting for. On the That’s Football Podcast, host Mark Goldbridge dissected the result in detail, praising the dominance of Arne Slot’s side while warning that the Reds still have plenty to prove.

Complete control and Champions League statement

“Liverpool five, Frankfurt one. Are Liverpool back? That was resounding. It was men against boys,” Goldbridge began, his tone mixing admiration with caution. He highlighted how Liverpool “scored two corners today, powering towering headers from Van Dijk and Konate,” noting that their set-piece strength “just took the game away from Frankfurt.”

The That’s Football host praised the balance and experience of Slot’s lineup, observing that “it was a complete performance,” but reminded listeners that “Arne Slot has still got a big job on his hands.” He noted that while Frankfurt “scored a fantastic team goal,” Liverpool’s experience quickly told. “They could have had a lot more in the second half,” he said, emphasising that the Reds’ dominance reflected a side rediscovering their rhythm in Europe.

Robertson and Bradley earn praise

Goldbridge was particularly impressed by two players who “probably won’t get much of the headlines,” singling out Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley. He argued that Robertson’s inclusion was vital, saying, “Robertson should have started against United at the weekend because he knows what it means to play for Liverpool in big games.”

Photo IMAGO

Bradley, who replaced the injured Frimpong, was described as someone who “gives everything and understands what it means to play for Liverpool.” Goldbridge went further, stating, “You’ve just got to stick with Andy Robertson,” stressing that the club’s identity depends on experienced figures who “know what it means to play for Liverpool.”

Photo IMAGO

Slot’s balancing act and transition period

Goldbridge recognised the strain of change under Slot, acknowledging “so much change for Liverpool over the summer, the tragic loss of Jota and what that’s done to the team psychologically.” He also pointed to key absences: “Trent’s gone, Robertson’s been benched a lot, and Alisson’s injured.”

The That’s Football presenter said Liverpool’s season “may well be a transitional season” due to the turnover of players and the adjustment to a new manager. “Slot needs to build a team for now,” he added, suggesting the manager “doesn’t need to be in a rush” to replace experience with potential.

Photo IMAGO

Goldbridge concluded that while Liverpool’s performance “was a complete one,” he didn’t believe “it was Liverpool at their best.” He noted, “I still don’t think they’re out the woods yet,” but expressed confidence that “they will click at some point.”

Signs of dominance but questions linger

As the podcast drew to a close, Goldbridge summarised what many Liverpool fans feel: optimism with restraint. “Liverpool are going to be all right,” he said. “They could still win the league, they could win the Champions League, but there’s still work to do.”

For all their control against Frankfurt, the bigger picture remains about consistency and mentality. Goldbridge’s verdict captured the nuance perfectly: Liverpool might dominate on their night, but true dominance, the kind required to conquer the Premier League or Europe, demands time, stability and patience.