Liverpool Show Tactical Grit Against Leicester
Liverpool took another significant step towards reclaiming the Premier League title with a narrow 1-0 win over Leicester City, but the performance laid bare a number of tactical dilemmas Arne Slot must solve. While the result places the Reds within touching distance of glory, the manner of the win raises fresh questions—especially with a potentially title-clinching clash against Tottenham looming.
Slot’s side dominated possession, dictated large spells of the match, and ultimately found a way to edge past a stubborn Leicester team. Yet, beyond the euphoria of three points, this was a night of frustration, defensive rigidity, and flashes of individual brilliance papering over systemic cracks.
Predictable Patterns and the Salah Dilemma
Tactically, Liverpool’s approach has grown increasingly formulaic. The shape in possession—typically 4-1 or 4-2—relies heavily on Virgil van Dijk’s diagonals towards Mohamed Salah. Fullbacks stay narrow, with Ryan Gravenberch operating as the central pivot and Alexis Mac Allister occasionally dropping deep to offer a double option. While once an unpredictable weapon, this setup is now routinely countered.
Leicester City, pressing smartly in a 4-4-2, cut off key channels in Liverpool’s buildup. Their forwards pressed van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, while wide midfielders closed down Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley. By overloading Salah’s flank and tightening the space around him, Leicester nullified Liverpool’s most consistent attacking route.
“Our switch to Salah is no longer as effective,” the analysis notes. “They’re now closing down the space before he even receives the ball.”
In-Game Adjustment Offers Clarity
Despite a stuttering start, credit must go to Slot for a subtle yet impactful tactical tweak. Around the 19th minute, Conor Bradley began pushing higher and wider than usual, providing support for Salah and unsettling Leicester’s defensive structure.
“Bradley, who’s excellent at making aggressive runs into space, begins making decoy movements into the half-space,” the report explains. These movements allowed Salah more freedom and shifted Leicester’s shape just enough for Liverpool to regain momentum.
As Leicester retreated into a compact low block, however, Liverpool’s creative limitations came to the fore. Crosses into the far post became the main method of chance creation, and though Salah had opportunities, the side lacked variety and fluidity in the final third.
Recurring Struggles Against Deep Blocks
This issue isn’t new. Teams that sit deep and stay compact continue to frustrate Liverpool. The narrow exits in the FA Cup and difficult nights against the likes of Newcastle share a common theme: a lack of incision when the pitch compresses.
Several factors feed into this problem:
-
Salah is doubled up on consistently.
-
Cody Gakpo struggles in static one-on-one scenarios.
-
There’s a void in central creativity—no one truly operates between the lines with consistency.
As the report highlights: “That’s why our play in these types of games often looks sharper when someone like Harvey Elliott is on the pitch. He brings that extra bit of invention we lack.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence is also keenly felt. His ability to pick a lock with a single pass remains unmatched in this squad. If he is to leave this summer—as whispers increasingly suggest—Liverpool must find a player capable of offering similar quality and vision.
Title Edge in Sight, But Work Remains
Despite the tactical stumbles, Liverpool are now one win away from the title. The next fixture? A derby against Tottenham—a side already beaten twice this season.
“One more win—and not just any win—a win against Spurs… and we’re officially crowned champions of England.”
But as the season winds down, the focus shifts slightly. Summer recruitment looms large, with glaring needs across the pitch: a creative midfielder, a more dynamic winger, and perhaps, most pressingly, a potential heir to Alexander-Arnold.
There’s optimism, yes. But also a growing sense that the margin for error is shrinking. Arne Slot has delivered when it counts. Now, with the Premier League in sight, he must adapt once more to ensure Liverpool not only win the title but continue to evolve beyond it.
