Journalist: Arne Slot was ‘one million miles off it’ in Liverpool’s defeat to Man City | OneFootball

Arne Slot Under Scrutiny After Liverpool’s Etihad Setback

Liverpool’s title defence has unravelled at alarming speed and the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City underscored how far Arne Slot’s side have slipped from last season’s standard. Credit goes to David Lynch, who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, for setting out the context around Liverpool’s latest setback. His insights offer a sharp lens through which to assess the current crisis and the structural problems now evident.

Lynch pointed to the manager’s willingness to protect his dressing room, stating, “It would be easy to throw your players under the bus but Arne Slot defends them there, which is what you want to see from your manager.” Supporters will welcome that leadership, yet accountability remains unavoidable.

Tactical Concerns Exposed

Lynch was clear in his assessment of the tactical gulf at the Etihad. He reminded listeners that Slot twice out-managed Pep Guardiola last season and “completely did a job on them”. That memory only sharpened the focus on Sunday’s defeat. Liverpool were disjointed, reactive and unable to impose any kind of structure in possession. Slot himself acknowledged as much, with Lynch noting, “he accepts that Liverpool weren’t at that level in this game and he didn’t give the players the game plan to succeed.”

This was not simply a bad afternoon, it was a breakdown in preparation. Lynch captured it succinctly, saying, “In terms of tactics, he was a million miles off it and if you do that then you can always look like your chasing shadows.”

Physicality Issues Persist

Liverpool’s physical drop-off has become a recurring storyline in recent weeks. Lynch articulated it directly, observing, “I do think Liverpool still have a problem with physicality but also they just couldn’t deal with Man City’s midfield.” That midfield mismatch has begun to define Liverpool’s season. Where last year’s title-winning side played with intensity and cohesion, this season’s iteration appears heavy-legged and second best in duels.

This physical deficit becomes even more problematic when combined with tactical malfunction. Without energy or control, Liverpool repeatedly ceded territory and allowed City’s midfield to dictate the game. The lack of adaptability only heightened the sense that Slot’s structure, so effective last year, now requires recalibration.

Photo: IMAGO

Big Picture Questions

Although Slot has been quick to shoulder responsibility, as Lynch highlighted, “It wasn’t a very good performance and the manager is clearly happy to take the blame for that.” The willingness to accept criticism is admirable, but solutions must follow swiftly. Five defeats in six Premier League matches is no coincidence, and falling eight points behind Arsenal leaves Liverpool perilously close to surrendering the title race before Christmas.

Slot’s track record ensures he has credit in the bank, yet the issues are now too visible to ignore. Liverpool need greater physical resilience, clearer tactical patterns and more consistency across the pitch. Supporters will hope that this turbulent spell prompts evolution rather than further decline.