Tactical Breakdown: How Liverpool’s Defence Stifled Leipzig in Away Win | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Closer to Champions League Knockout Rounds with Crucial Away Win

Another solid performance on the road brought Liverpool one step nearer to securing their place in the last 16 of the Champions League. In a tightly contested match, Liverpool emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over RB Leipzig, collecting three vital points in their pursuit of automatic qualification. This narrow victory has put the Reds in an enviable position, hoping to avoid the stress of a potential two-legged playoff.

With the clocks set to go back this weekend, it feels like the countdown to those long, dark British winter nights has begun. The final game before the change always holds a special, if somewhat dreaded, place in my heart. Watching Liverpool fight their way through Leipzig, I found myself bringing down my trusty SAD lamp from the attic—a beacon of light to see me through the inevitable gloom. At least I can still rely on midweek Champions League football to keep me company until then.

Defensive Resilience Carries Liverpool Through Gruelling Period

The win in Leipzig came at a critical juncture for Liverpool, amidst a punishing schedule. After securing victory over Chelsea last Sunday, and with an upcoming clash against Arsenal at the Emirates, the trip to Germany was never going to be easy. Not to mention future fixtures against Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa looming on the horizon. However, once again, defence proved to be the bedrock of their success.

Liverpool’s defensive discipline has been remarkable this season, and last night’s clean sheet was their seventh across all competitions. Their ability to grind out these one-goal wins has become a defining trait, a fact not lost on their opponents. In 12 matches, they’ve won by just one goal four times, underlining the importance of their steely resolve at the back.

Manager Arne Slot’s influence cannot be overstated. Despite the limited time he’s had to work with his squad—many of whom were involved in Euro 2024 or the Copa América—his tactical setup has paid dividends. The turnaround in Liverpool’s defensive shape and intensity has been nothing short of spectacular.

Key Partnerships Keep Leipzig’s Attack Quiet

Benjamin Šeško and Loїs Openda, two of RB Leipzig’s key attacking threats, were largely ineffective against Liverpool’s backline. The pair registered just four shots between them, two of which came from inside the box, thanks in large part to the commanding presence of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk.

The Konaté-van Dijk partnership continues to thrive, with both centre-backs excelling in ball recoveries. Konaté, in particular, stood out, playing with the kind of front-foot defending that has become his hallmark since joining Liverpool. His familiarity with Leipzig, his former club, undoubtedly added an extra layer to his performance.

[Openda and Sesko Shotmap]

[LFC Ball Recoveries Ranking]

Ryan Gravenberch also contributed significantly to Liverpool’s defensive efforts. His work rate was outstanding, with six interceptions, eight tackles, and a couple of aerial duels won. His commitment to the cause hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, with even Virgil van Dijk offering him praise after one of his clearances, sparking a rare smile from the typically reserved midfielder.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Influence and the Tactical Shift

The tactical flexibility of this Liverpool side is embodied by none other than Trent Alexander-Arnold. His expected threat (xT) heatmap from the match shows a player evolving, popping up more frequently in central areas rather than sticking to the wide positions he’s traditionally occupied. His ability to not only distribute the ball but also recover loose possession has added another dimension to Liverpool’s play.

[Trent Alexander-Arnold xT Heat-map]

With his role inverted, Alexander-Arnold’s presence in the half-spaces and central channels created overloads that Leipzig struggled to contain. This subtle shift is a clear indication of the tactical ingenuity that Arne Slot has brought to the team.

Gravenberch’s Role and the Successful Counter-Press

Gravenberch’s continued development as a key player was on display once more in the 27th minute when Liverpool’s counter-press paid off. After Lukeba failed to clear, Gravenberch was quick to collect the ball. Konaté immediately moved up to support, anticipating any mistakes, as Liverpool’s aggressive press led to one of the game’s pivotal moments.

[Gravenberch Defensive Work-rate]

[Red Bull Leipzig Shot Map]

Just a few passes later, Mac Allister found Tsimikas, who played a neat one-two with Cody Gakpo. The Greek left-back’s inch-perfect cross found Mohamed Salah at the far post, and though it was Darwin Núñez who eventually bundled the ball over the line, it was Salah who started the move. The goal was a fine example of the team’s ability to create overloads on the flanks and exploit them with precision.

The visual analysis from xfb Analytics, courtesy of Mark Matrai, highlights the crucial role of Liverpool’s left-hand side in their chance creation. Gakpo and Tsimikas have been working well as a tandem, and their understanding was once again on display. This was reminiscent of their combination in the win over Crystal Palace and is something Slot is likely to deploy again as Liverpool navigate a congested fixture list.

[LFC xT Heat-map]

They created a similar crossing opportunity just five minutes later, when Darwin Núñez’s header was saved by Leipzig goalkeeper, Péter Gulácsi. It was a stark reminder of the effectiveness of Liverpool’s pressing game and their ability to create high-quality chances from wide areas.

Ground Challenges and Ball Recoveries Key to Victory

Liverpool’s defensive solidity wasn’t just about positioning and organisation—it was also about winning ground duels and recovering possession in crucial moments. Darwin Núñez, Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo led the charge in ground challenges, each showing a level of tenacity that has become synonymous with Liverpool’s pressing game under Arne Slot.

However, it was Ibrahima Konaté who stole the show in terms of ball recoveries. His commanding presence ensured that Leipzig’s attacks were regularly snuffed out, limiting their opportunities to break down Liverpool’s defensive block. Gravenberch also shone in this department, continuing to prove his worth as a tireless midfielder.

Looking Ahead: Arsenal Challenge and Managing the Load

Liverpool’s victory against Leipzig sets them up perfectly for Sunday’s massive challenge against Arsenal. Despite Arne Slot’s incredible start to life in the Premier League—11 wins from 12 matches—there’s no room for complacency. As Liverpool’s former director of research, Ian Graham, famously wrote in his book, “you lose titles by drawing games.” With that in mind, a win is the only acceptable result at the Emirates Stadium.

But with the long, dark UK winter almost upon us, maybe it’s time to start looking for low-cost flights to the Canary Islands to chase the sun. The match on Sunday will feel like the real start of the season—the first test after the clocks have gone back and the days start to shrink. If the sight of Alexander-Arnold’s relentless running down the right can’t warm me up, I’ll certainly be keeping my SAD lamp close.

As for Liverpool, they’ll be keeping their eyes firmly on the prize. Another three points in Europe, and the momentum they’ll carry to North London, could make all the difference as the season’s most challenging stretch begins.