A very good victory for Liverpool FC against Ipswich Town. Playing the first match of the season, against a newly promoted team, is always a difficult one. These teams usually show a lot of heart and fight from the beginning, before petering out from the midpoint of the season onwards.
I have to say, despite a number of really strong performances, the performance that impressed me the most was our new manager: Arne Slot. He saw the issue hampering our progress in the match, the fact Ipswich were getting bodies in the centre of the pitch, to limit our avenues out. He saw it and adapted his tactics in the second half.
He took off Quansah (Arguably our best player in the first half) and put on Konate for the purpose of protecting and controlling the right side of the pitch, allowing Trent to invert and create additional passing opportunities out of the centre. The first goal even came from that, Gravenberch receiving the ball centrally then connecting with Salah and Trent in the midfield zone.
No offence to Klopp, as he will always be a Liverpool legend, but Klopp would have waited till the 60th to 75th minute to make a change. And, not a tactical one at that, more likely a fresh player to perform the same role as the player that came off. That was quite noticeable last season.
Instead, Slot saw the issue, and dealt with it immediately. And, we looked so much better in the second half because of it. He seems a very tactically astute and decisive manager. I suspect it will be a bumpy road at first, but I can see good things in our future with him at the helm.
I thought Gravenberch was outstanding and our MOTM. He controlled the centre of the pitch, and his ball carrying ability (Which we were always aware of) and his passing range (Which was a surprising addition) really helped us. He is making a big case to be our 6 next to Mac Allister (Who had an admittedly average to poor game). Hopefully goes the season without injury and retains this form because he looks a different player, looks a lot more content playing Slot’s system.
Thought Szoboszlai in the second half was a close second for MOTM. He harried and harassed Ipswich’s defensive line relentlessly, forcing many mistakes, and succeeded in getting Ipswich to drop the midfield line to compensate for the deficiencies in their defensive line, meaning they lacked an outlet to get further up the pitch. I know many prefer Elliott here, for his creative attributes, but Szoboszlai’s physical ones offer a different dynamic that suits our high press better. Happy with either option, though, as different teams will require a different approach and tool.
Maybe overreacting to a win under new management, but the early signs were really positive. That second half was a real statement. I only hope we can reinforce in areas we need it, sort out the unfortunate Gomez situation, the 3 player shortly out of contract, and continue these performances and results.
Really happy with what I have seen, but please give Slot the tools he needs to succeed because I really think he can be something special.
All the best, boys, onwards and upwards.
Written by LFC-S MANGO August 17 2024 19:29:49
