Palmer Shines as Liverpool’s Squad Depth Faces Harsh Spotlight

Cole Palmer’s starring role in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool exposed more than just an experimental lineup. It laid bare the challenges Arne Slot must address before the Reds begin their title defence. As GiveMeSport rightly reported, this wasn’t just a dead-rubber—it was a warning.

Slot’s Rotations Prove Costly in London

With the Premier League title wrapped up following the win against Spurs, Slot made six changes to the starting XI. The gamble backfired quickly. Liverpool were “out of sorts right from kick-off,” and Chelsea needed just three minutes to punish the lack of rhythm, with Enzo Fernandez converting Pedro Neto’s cross.

More striking than the disjointed midfield or defensive chaos, though, was the absence of Ryan Gravenberch. “The Dutch midfielder, who had started 34 consecutive league games before Sunday’s match, didn’t even travel with the team to London as he was given a complete rest from his duties.”

Midfield Misfires Under Pressure

Gravenberch’s absence forced Wataru Endo into the No. 6 role for his first Premier League start of the season. Flanked by Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones, the midfield lacked Liverpool’s usual fluidity. “The experimental combination struggled to replicate the control and penetration that Liverpool’s regular starters have provided throughout their title-winning campaign.”

It was a trio put together out of necessity, but its inability to shield the back four became glaring as Chelsea repeatedly found space in dangerous areas.

Quansah’s Confidence Continues to Falter

Perhaps no player will want to forget this match more than Jarell Quansah. The 22-year-old centre-back endured a difficult afternoon, beginning with a 56th-minute own goal. “Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance from Cole Palmer’s cross cannoned off Quansah’s midriff into the net, a moment that encapsulated Liverpool’s defensive disarray.”

His misery deepened in stoppage time when a clumsy tackle on Moises Caicedo led to Palmer’s converted penalty. Romano in his GiveMeSport Newsletter summed it up: “Unfortunately for Quansah, he’s been a bit of a magnet for mistakes in 2024/25, and Sunday was yet another error-ridden performance.”

Speculation continues around his future. As Fabrizio Romano revealed: “It’s a possibility. It’s not Liverpool trying to sell him but the player attracting interest with Newcastle and German clubs keen.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This was more than just a title hangover—it was a sobering reminder that squad depth wins leagues, but only if used wisely. Slot had every right to rotate, but the severe drop-off in quality when certain starters are rested is startling. Wataru Endo, although industrious, looked off the pace, and the makeshift midfield was steamrolled by Chelsea’s energy and directness.

Jarell Quansah’s outing was perhaps the most worrying. Confidence looks shattered, and after such promise last season under Klopp, the defender is now making high-profile errors far too often. The own goal was unfortunate, but the late penalty clumsiness was inexcusable at this level.

There’s a nagging sense that while this team lifted the trophy, the gap between first-team starters and their deputies remains significant. If Liverpool want to compete across four fronts next season—especially with Champions League football returning—they must build more robust depth.

Slot’s tactical nous is clear, but his summer priorities must be sharper. Reinforcements in midfield and defence aren’t optional—they’re urgent.