Problems still linger in Liverpool despite 3-0 win over United

Liverpool had a dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United in their final pre-season friendly at the Williams-Brice Stadium to conclude their tour in the United States, but that is what the papers would say.

However, their performance against bitter rivals, Manchester United pales in reflection to the result which evidently was unfair to the Red Devils.

Hence, if this is what Liverpool hope to bring to the premier league, Arne Slot should be gearing for a rude awakening when they face a side like Brighton or Newcastle United who would on the day be more clinical than Erik ten Hag’s side.

With goals from Fábio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas, the Reds extended their unbeaten streak, having previously defeated Arsenal and Real Betis. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect preparation lies a series of underlying issues that new manager Arne Slot must urgently address.

Read More:

Why I was a failure at Manchester United — David Moyes

Arne Slot’s Liverpool game plan hinted at

Pep Guardiola blames pitch for Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat

Possession Woes: The Illusion of Control

Despite the convincing scoreline, Liverpool struggled to maintain control of the game, particularly in terms of possession. The midfield, a critical area for dictating play and tempo, showed signs of frailty.

The lack of incisive passes to break opposition lines and slow transitions from defense to attack were evident. While the Reds managed to secure a clean sheet, this was more a testament to the resolute defending and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher than to any midfield dominance.

Defensive Reliance: A Double-Edged Sword

Liverpool’s defense, led by a solid backline and a standout display from Kelleher, played a crucial role in keeping Manchester United at bay.

However, this reliance on defensive heroics is not a sustainable strategy for the long season ahead. The team’s inability to control possession effectively left them vulnerable, forcing the defense to absorb pressure for extended periods. This approach could prove costly against more clinical Premier League opponents, who may not squander the chances Manchester United did.

Lack of Clinical Edge: United’s Missed Opportunities

While the 3-0 scoreline suggests a comfortable victory, it belies the reality of the match. Manchester United had their fair share of opportunities but failed to capitalize, often due to a lack of clinical finishing. Liverpool’s defensive lapses went unpunished, a luxury they are unlikely to enjoy in the highly competitive environment of the Premier League.

This match highlighted the importance of tightening up defensively and ensuring that the team does not solely rely on the brilliance of individual players to secure results.

Arne Slot’s Challenge: Addressing the Gaps

As Liverpool transitions under the guidance of Arne Slot, there are clear areas that require attention.

The midfield’s inability to control games and the occasional defensive lapses must be addressed. Slot’s task is not just to replicate the attacking flair that Liverpool is known for but to build a cohesive unit capable of controlling games from start to finish. The pre-season tour, while successful in terms of results, has exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by more ruthless opponents.

Looking Ahead: A Reality Check Before the Season

Liverpool’s pre-season tour has provided a mixed bag of results and performances. While victories over top teams like Arsenal and Manchester United are morale-boosting, they should not mask the evident issues within the squad. Slot and his team must use these matches as a learning curve, identifying and rectifying the problems before the season’s start.

Hence, the upcoming matches will be critical in fine-tuning the team’s tactics and addressing the glaring weaknesses that have emerged. Liverpool must not be lulled into a false sense of security by their recent successes.