‘Slot got everything wrong at Palace’ – Liverpool fans call-out boss for ‘atrocious’ defeat | OneFootball

Gags Reacts to Crystal Palace Defeat: Arne Slot Tactics Under Scrutiny

Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt halt at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace handed Arne Slot his first real lesson in the Premier League. Speaking on his post-match show, Gags delivered a frank assessment, pointing fingers not just at individual players but also at the tactical setup deployed by the new head coach.

Gags Questions Arne Slot’s Tactical Approach

Palace, unbeaten in 18 matches under Oliver Glasner, were superbly organised and clinical. Gags acknowledged as much but did not spare his criticism of Liverpool’s lack of structure. “Slot got schooled first half by Glasner,” he observed. The choice of a box midfield left Liverpool narrow and predictable, playing directly into Palace’s strengths.

The insistence on overloading central areas, despite the opponent’s preference for exploiting space in transition, proved costly. Palace cut through the visitors repeatedly in the opening 45 minutes, with only Alisson Becker preventing the scoreline from becoming embarrassing.

Line-up Decisions Raise Serious Questions

Beyond the system, personnel choices also came under fire. Both Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister featured, but neither looked comfortable in tandem. Gags argued that the combination “doesn’t work yet” and suggested that Curtis Jones was unfairly overlooked. Mac Allister’s ongoing fitness struggles compounded the problem, raising the issue of why he started ahead of more reliable options.

The absence of natural width was another glaring flaw. With no direct replacement for Luis Díaz signed in the summer, Liverpool lacked a player capable of stretching Palace’s back line. Bradley struggled defensively, while the attacking balance tilted towards hopeful central combinations rather than purposeful wide play.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool, London, UK – 27 Sep 2025 Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool and Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park, London on 27 September 2025 London Selhurst Park London England Copyright: xAlanxStanford/PPAUKx PPA-219018

Substitutions Fail to Influence Contest

If the first half displayed tactical naivety, the second half exposed in-game management shortcomings. Substitutions were poorly timed and offered little impact. Alexander Isak was withdrawn with the game still in the balance, while reinforcements from the bench either looked unfit or off the pace. Gags labelled some of the changes “really strange”, arguing that momentum was lost rather than gained.

Palace capitalised late on, punishing a lapse in game management. A simple clearance could have ended the contest, but Liverpool ceded possession, allowed a throw-in, and were duly undone in stoppage time. For Gags, it was a symbolic moment — a failure to seize control both tactically and mentally.

Slot Faces Early Test of Adaptability

There is no crisis at Anfield. Liverpool remain in contention, and Slot’s tenure has largely been impressive. Yet this defeat has prompted uncomfortable questions. Can Wirtz and Mac Allister coexist? How long can Salah remain peripheral before a solution is found? Most pressingly, can Slot adapt his tactics quickly enough in a league that punishes hesitation?

As Gags reflected, the defeat may serve as a necessary wake-up call. Palace away is never easy, but the manner of the loss — disjointed, passive, and over-complicated — placed responsibility firmly on the coach. Slot has been praised for innovation, but against Palace, his tactics hindered rather than helped.

With Chelsea on the horizon and Galatasaray midweek, the coming days provide an immediate opportunity for redemption. Slot must simplify his approach, find the right balance in midfield, and restore confidence in his tactical judgement. For now, the defeat will linger as a reminder that even bright starts are fragile when ideas fail on the pitch.