“There’s not even a plan A!” – Journalist reacts to Liverpool’s defeat to Man United | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Slump Deepens as United Capitalise on Anfield Vulnerability

Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United marked a fourth consecutive loss for Arne Slot’s side, a sequence that has stunned supporters after the highs of last season’s Premier League title triumph. Speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, journalist David Lynch dissected the performance, describing a side lacking rhythm, conviction and identity.

Concerns Over Slow Starts and Lost Momentum

Lynch pinpointed Liverpool’s first-half performances as a major concern. “The first half didn’t have a lot to enjoy or be encouraged by and that’s been such a theme this season,” he said. “You could actually say that it was a bit of a theme last season, but it still felt like they were working out the opposition in the first half and would then go on to win.”

This year, the pattern has turned destructive rather than strategic. “Whereas at the moment they’re always giving up the first goal in the first half,” he noted. The tone of frustration among fans and pundits alike echoes this sentiment. When teams sense vulnerability early on, they press aggressively, and United did exactly that.

“In a game like this against Man United, off the back of three defeats, you go and tear into them and get the crowd going,” Lynch continued. “But what happens in reality is a really slow start and Man United execute their plan to get in between the left-back and the centre-back and they score from it immediately.”

That early lapse, Lynch argued, set the tone. “It’s really poor from Liverpool and they should’ve been on the front foot in those opening stages. It gives Man United that a little bit of encouragement and Liverpool never really corrected it.”

Slot’s Challenge in Rediscovering Urgency

When comparing Slot’s current struggles to Jürgen Klopp’s trademark energy, Lynch pulled no punches. “Does the manager not have to say to start quickly? Jurgen Klopp did it all of the time. You can talk about tactics and ideas all that you want, but starting games right is a feeling. It’s putting zip on your passes, it’s slamming into your first tackle and winning it. Liverpool weren’t good enough.”

Slot’s Liverpool have often dominated possession but failed to translate that control into purpose. Against United, the team appeared disconnected, with Lynch observing, “There was no coherence, even in the best moments for Liverpool, and that’s pretty damning and it speaks to the idea that they just aren’t there at the moment.”

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical Confusion and Narrow Positives

Perhaps the most revealing comment came when Lynch assessed the team’s tactical structure. “There’s not even a plan A, never mind a plan B or plan C. It was just throw on a lot of attackers and it almost worked.”

It’s a sharp critique of a side that once thrived on tactical clarity. Under Slot, the patterns of play appear less predictable but also less effective. Liverpool’s attempts to mount late comebacks have been spirited but chaotic, relying on individual brilliance rather than system-driven precision.

However, Lynch was fair in acknowledging positives amid the gloom. “As much as Liverpool were poor, they did well to create chances. That was the positive at Chelsea too,” he said. “Over the last four games they’ve generated around seven expected goals and they’ve scored three, so there is an element of misfortune.”

That statistic offers perspective. Liverpool are still creating, even if the finishing touch has deserted them. Yet statistics alone cannot conceal the emotional truth of the moment. The connection between players, manager and supporters feels strained.

Finding the Response

Slot’s challenge now is psychological as much as tactical. Re-establishing intensity and belief will be vital before the campaign unravels further. As Lynch’s remarks suggest, it’s not about overcomplicating tactics but about rediscovering what made Liverpool feared in the first place: aggression, tempo and unity.

For a team that conquered England only months ago, this losing run feels less like a blip and more like a crisis of confidence. Slot has proven himself capable of constructing winning sides. The coming weeks will test whether he can also rebuild one under pressure.