Liverpool's victory still has scars on new system

Arne Slot has had a smooth start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Liverpool, who started the season as defending champions, took four major changes to their squad from last season. Arne Slot took a risk, tweaking the formation to accommodate new signing Florian Wirtz. But any overhaul takes time, and 90 minutes against Bournemouth showed that it will not be an easy journey.

Liverpool's problems

Liverpool's biggest problem right now is not their attack. They still attack with great ideas, move flexibly and create many opportunities.

But defensively, gaps in behind the back line were all too common, just as they had been in the Community Shield. When Bournemouth equalised, Antoine Semenyo broke through into a huge space, sprinting 60 metres before taking down Alisson, while Van Dijk and Konaté simply retreated without closing in.

Part of the reason is the new “man-marking” pressing system. This arrangement allows Liverpool to close down more quickly up front, but is vulnerable if the opposition escapes the pressing and exploits the space behind.

Ryan Gravenberch’s suspension has left the midfield lacking an experienced anchor to shield the defence. Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been dropped deeper, has not been a good fit and should be given the role to Wirtz when needed.

Individual new recruits have also left a mixed mark. Hugo Ekitiké continues to prove himself a valuable signing.

After an impressive debut in the Community Shield, the Frenchman shone again, scoring with six Bournemouth players surrounding him, beating Marcos Senesi before finishing coolly. Despite missing an easier chance soon after, Ekitiké still brought new life to the attack, especially in his combination with Mohamed Salah.

Ekitiké has been a consistent goalscorer since moving to Liverpool.

On the contrary, Milos Kerkez had a stormy afternoon. Meeting his old teammate Antoine Semenyo, the 21-year-old Hungarian defender was repeatedly penetrated on the wing, committed dangerous fouls and received a yellow card.

Bournemouth's goal also came from a similar cutback. Andy Robertson's replacement for Kerkez in the 60th minute did not help Liverpool's performance on the left wing, showing that this was not just a personal problem but also a tactical weakness.

With the defence faltering, Liverpool’s attacking prowess came to the rescue. Salah – who had been isolated in the Community Shield – was more active this time, linking up with Ekitiké and Frimpong. He initiated the move that led to Federico Chiesa’s winner, before sealing the win himself with a trademark Salah finish.

Liverpool need to improve

However, this victory still had the nuance of a "win by the moment" match rather than a complete domination. Bournemouth were not the strongest opponents, but it was enough to expose the instability that Liverpool must overcome if they want to defend the title.

Arne Slot certainly understands that: the new system needs time, but the Premier League does not allow for many mistakes, especially when this year's title race promises to be tense.

Arne Slot has a lot of work to do to turn Liverpool into the perfect machine.

Beyond the technical aspect, the match left an emotional mark. After the final whistle, Mohamed Salah stood silently in front of the Kop, wiping away tears as fans sang a song about Diogo Jota.

The pre-match silence for Jota and his brother was solemn, but the emotion was more than just formality. The pain of loss still permeates every step, and this season Liverpool have had to contend with both opponents on the pitch and mental challenges off the touchline.

Slot's Liverpool have not yet achieved the control and stability they had at their peak last season. But they are still winning - a vital factor in a transitional period. With positive signs from Ekitiké, the return of Gravenberch in the near future and the honing of the new system, Anfield still has the right to hope.

The problem is, in the Premier League, hope is not enough. Slot will need to turn that hope into a Liverpool that is both attractive and solid - if he does not want the gaps in defence to become a "death spot" in the long-term race.

Source: https://znews.vn/chien-thang-cua-liverpool-van-con-vet-gon-noi-he-thong-moi-post1577361.html