Anfield Index
·2 février 2025
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·2 février 2025
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Panenka LFC’s post-match analysis broke down the key tactical adjustments that saw Arne Slot’s Reds outclass Andoni Iraola’s side, despite the Cherries’ attempts to fight fire with fire.
“The Cherries tried to use Arne Slot’s own weapon against him, but it backfired,” Panenka LFC noted, referring to Bournemouth’s attempt to mirror Liverpool’s structured ball progression. Despite their impressive home record—including wins over Arsenal and Manchester City—Iraola’s men struggled to execute Liverpool’s aggressive transitions and pressing structure.
Panenka LFC pointed out, “Bournemouth attempted a similar ball progression approach to us, overloading one side of the pitch before going long and battling for second balls… but the problem was they couldn’t execute it nearly as well.” This inability to break through Liverpool’s defensive shape left the home side exposed.
Liverpool’s ability to bypass Bournemouth’s high press was crucial in maintaining control of the game. The analysis highlighted the role of Alisson Becker, saying, “Allison completed 32 passes in total, with 18 of them being long balls,” effectively neutralising Bournemouth’s pressing traps.
Rather than relying on the usual playmakers, the Reds’ goalkeeper became the primary distributor. “Why was Allison the one going long? Why not Trent or one of Konaté or Van Dijk? Because Bournemouth switched to a 4-2-3-1 high press… Trent and the other defenders were tightly marked,” Panenka LFC explained.
Photo: IMAGO
His performance wasn’t just about distribution—Alisson was also decisive in crucial moments. “Our number one came up big with two crucial saves, including one early in the second half to deny Sinisterra an equaliser.”
Liverpool’s tactical intelligence was evident in how they created openings. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inverted role in midfield disrupted Bournemouth’s defensive shape, allowing Luis Díaz to pull defenders out of position. “Díaz drifts wide, dragging another Bournemouth player out of position… this subtle but smart movement stretches their defensive shape, opening up new gaps to exploit.”
This was instrumental in winning the penalty for Liverpool’s opener. “This is exactly how we created the perfect conditions for Cody Gakpo to make his run in behind and win the penalty for our opening goal,” Panenka LFC noted.
Bournemouth’s aggressive pressing left them vulnerable to counter-attacks, and Liverpool exploited this with devastating efficiency. The analysis described how Curtis Jones initiated the transition for the second goal: “The sequence started with Jones winning possession right at the edge of our own box after a dangerous Bournemouth attack.”
Mohamed Salah, already poised to capitalise, was left in a perfect position. “Even before the sequence started, he was already high and wide, ready to pounce… all it took was a simple pass from Curtis to the Egyptian king, and just like that, the Premier League’s top scorer bagged his second of the game.”
Liverpool’s dominant performance sent a message to the rest of the league. As Panenka LFC put it, “Just like that, Liverpool sent a clear message—we’re going all out for the title.” With Bournemouth already proving their ability to trouble top sides, this disciplined, tactically astute performance reinforced Liverpool’s credentials.
Looking ahead, Panenka LFC asked fans for their opinions on the upcoming EFL Cup semi-final against Tottenham. “Should Slot rotate the squad against Spurs to keep things fresh, or go all in to secure a spot in the final?”
With a nine-point lead over Arsenal and City still in the mix, every game is crucial. One thing is certain—under Arne Slot, Liverpool are showing no signs of slowing down.