Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - A Quick Liverpool Perspective
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion A Liverpool Perspective
A much improved performance from Liverpool as a whole. The diamond from mid week was dropped and Slot reverted to a 4-2-3-1, but with lots of flexibility and fluidity between the players going forward. A big key to the improvement was the ability of the players to link up, as signs are there that they are beginning to get an understanding developing with the new players, which allowed a lot of rotation in forward areas and, as a consequence, more movement. That allowed Liverpool to create more chances, good chances, and they should have scored more goals really, if they had been more clinical and picked out the right pass more often.
Another thing which helped, not just defensively, but in order to recover loose balls was that one midfielder always sat deep. Rather than emptying midfield, which had caused a lot of the problems in recent weeks, there was always someone sitting there, covering in front of the defence and removing that big space the opposition was able to use to play out. It did not completely fix the defensive issues, there were still far too many chances created by BHA for my liking, but it is a big step forward.
The return of a press, a unified press rather than just Wirtz chasing round on his own, made a huge difference too, though it also highlighted an issue that has been obvious for a while. The lack of fitness of the players to be able to continue pressing as the second half wore on suggests a very good reason for the injury problems amongst the squad. That could be a real problem during busier periods and might explain why the press was dropped for a while, as the players are clearly not fit enough to press for the full 90 minutes. Add that to a lack of recovery time in busy periods, and it is probably why Slot did not want to use it until he knew there was a full week to recover ahead of the next game.
Obviously, there is the argument to be made that instead of dropping the press, he should have increased the level of fitness and conditioning training to allow the players to press. That would be my personal preference of the way to go, as it is clear that Liverpool are a much better team when working behind the press. It is a team of players that suit the press, in the main, with most of them possessing of the mobility and intelligence required to make it work. Overall though, a huge step forward and gives the team a platform to build upon.
There are still worries around the defence, though most of those worries, for me, surround the lack of intelligence and rashness of Konate. It is difficult to organise a group when one member has a tendency to suddenly charge forward needlessly and recklessly, or fall asleep and not track a run, or decide for no reason whatsoever to drag down an attacker who is not causing any immediate danger. I am not sure what more can be done to improve the defence while he is a central cog in it.
Brighton & Hove Albion
They were not too bad, created a couple of chances and made sure it was never easy for Liverpool to pass around at the back. In retrospect, that might have been a big mistake, as they forced Liverpool into playing quickly and getting it forward, as they were not allowing the easy roll around the defence that has characterised LFC's play this season. By putting pressure on, they forced the ball to get into attacking positions quickly - which is Liverpool's strength. Did they, to a degree, play into Liverpool's hands? It did seem that way.
The Seagulls, in effect, forced Liverpool into playing the same way as they usually do, high press, fast attacks, but then found that LFC are simply better at that style of play than they are. Brighton are clearly a good side, but they are struggling with injuries at the moment, a few players are coming back to fitness and that will help them maintain their push for a European place. They badly missed the quality of Mitoma and a top striker is something that they are still yet to find, though Welbeck is doing well, his age and fitness means he cannot be relied on. With a better quality forward line, they would have likely scored a couple with the chances they had, though they were clearly not as good as LFC in this match.
It must also be pointed out that they were very lucky not to be down to ten men when their Gomez caught Wirtz with a high, studs up challenge to the midriff. It is astonishing that with VAR looking on players can still get away with challenges like that.
Liverpool
Alisson - not at it with his kicking, which has not been good since his return from injury.
Gomez - was playing well again until sadly picked up yet another injury. A big loss with Liverpool lacking cover at centre-back and right-back.
Konate - in the main, he was less erratic and useless than normal, but he still had a couple of brain fart moments, which could easily have cost LFC badly. He is simply not good enough on the ball or defensively to make up for his regular moments of idiocy.
van Dijk - was forced out of his tendency to be casual by Brighton's attempts to press. He is much better that way. Played some good long balls as well, a bit like what we have grown to expect of him.
Kerkez - had a tough game, up against the pace of Minteh, but dealt with him well, just needs to learn not to dive in. Overall, he was good and got forward well. No disrespect to Gakpo, but he seems much better without Gakpo ahead of him refusing to give him a pass.
Jones - had a very good game, popping up all over the pitch, showed some excellent moments of skill but there were a couple of moments he missed a chance to release the ball by taking an extra touch.
Gravenberch - had a good game, mainly sat deep but did take a few opportunities to get forward. Needs to improve his passing, which can be a bit loose.
Szoboszlai - once again excellent, both on the wing and at right-back after Gomez went off injured. He linked up well with Salah and provided a real attacking impetus down the right flank. Unfortunately, he also had to go off injured after what looked like turning his ankle.
Wirtz - played really well, just needs to get that first goal now. He is linking up the play, leading the press and working hard to get back and help out defensively. Getting better as the season goes on.
Mac Allister - by a mile the worst player on the pitch, which takes some doing when Konate is also there! He was utterly abysmal. There could have been a traffic cone left out on the pitch for 90 minutes for all the effect he had on the game. It was like playing with ten men. This season is an absolute disaster for him. It is hard to understand how he managed to not get the hook at some point, unless Slot had just forgotten he was out there as he had so little involvement.
Ekitike - another brace for the French forward, who looked blisteringly quick at times and caused the Seagulls no end of problems. He is having a really good season.
Salah - replaced the injured Gomez in the 26th minute. Lifted the crowd and the team after coming on. Tried too hard to be unselfish at times, but should have come away with at least an assist but for Mac Allister's inexplicable decision to pass the ball on when the goal was gaping. Looked really good linking with Szoboszlai and looked quick and fresh. His strength was outstanding and he bullied the Brighton left-back, making him look like a small child trying to get the ball away from an adult at times.
Robertson - came on for Wirtz in the 78th minute. Came on as a left midfielder but looked a bit lost as to where he should be. Can never doubt his effort though.
Isak - took the place of Ekitike in the 78th minute. Once again looked lazy and disinterested. Gave up running on one break, which is unforgivable when you have fresh legs. If he is not fit enough to actually run, he should not have been brought on. If he is fit enough to run, then he should be ashamed of himself for his laziness.
Chiesa - replaced Szoboszlai in the 83rd minute, who was carrying a knock. As always, gave his all and provided fresh energy and impetus, just as Isak seemed to have sapped it all out of the Liverpool team.
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