Lynch on Liverpool: Defensive Frailty and Set-Piece Woes in 3-3 at Leeds
In the latest episode of his reaction podcast, Liverpool reporter David Lynch offered a brutally honest post-match analysis of the Reds’ chaotic 3-3 Premier League draw with Leeds United. Speaking shortly after the final whistle, Lynch delivered a stark assessment of Arne Slot’s tactics, the team’s mental fragility and the ongoing issues plaguing Liverpool’s season.
This was not a night for platitudes or empty positives. With Liverpool surrendering a late equaliser in the 96th minute, Lynch’s commentary painted a picture of a side far removed from its best, both in terms of style and substance.
1. Failure to Close Out Matches
“I just still wasn’t really convinced by what Liverpool had produced,” Lynch said, even before the late collapse. When Liverpool went 3-2 up, Lynch admitted he was bracing for an uneasy analysis, expecting Slot to point to “seven points from the last nine available.” But as Lynch predicted, “they did go and concede that third goal, didn’t they?”
His frustration was palpable: “You’ve no faith in this group to see out a game in difficult conditions.” It was the story of the season, he noted, calling it a “disastrous result for Liverpool, a disastrous performance and a disastrous run.”
2. Tactical Identity Crisis
Lynch was scathing about Arne Slot’s approach. “He was trying to turn these into very low event boring games really, where nothing really happens,” he said, referencing recent matches against West Ham and Sunderland.
While Slot’s tactics were designed to control the game and allow quality to shine through, Lynch observed, “you can’t afford to be making horrendous errors that give away penalties” if you’re relying on a low-risk setup. Liverpool did exactly that, throwing away a 2-0 lead with defensive lapses and poor game management.
3. Set-Piece Shambles
The set-piece situation was described as “really, really poor.” Lynch revealed Liverpool have now conceded 10 goals from set pieces, joint-worst in the league alongside West Ham and Nottingham Forest. “That is awful,” he stressed.
He pointed the finger at set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, stating, “If you’re the man whose job it is to coach these things… you’d be feeling that pressure.” Liverpool’s set-piece goal difference is minus 8, compared to Arsenal’s plus 6, a swing Lynch described as decisive in the top-four race.
4. Individual Errors and Fragility
Ibrahima Konaté’s rash challenge that gave away a penalty was another flashpoint. “Konate just slides in on Gnonto for no reason whatsoever,” Lynch lamented. He didn’t hold back: “He’s just making these errors too frequently now.”
With Liverpool leading 2-0 in a “low event game”, Lynch believed that “if Konate doesn’t slide in there… I think Liverpool squeak the game.” Instead, the resulting penalty and momentum shift handed Leeds the initiative.
He also criticised the wider defensive setup, noting that “Virgil’s form is sliding a little bit as well” and questioning whether Konaté should even be offered a new contract.
5. Bright Sparks in the Gloom
Despite the criticism, Lynch found reasons for cautious optimism. He praised Hugo Ekitike’s finishing ability, noting “it’s his first goal since Frankfurt in October,” and added, “He’s a good finisher… brilliant in terms of his hold up play.”
Curtis Jones also earned acclaim: “Most passes in the match with 62… five out of seven duels won.” Lynch highlighted his creativity and consistency, calling him “one of the rare players this season who are actually playing well.”
Dominik Szoboszlai was another standout. “He’s a leader on the pitch… trying to save this head coach.” Lynch credited him with “four chances created, four out of six duels won,” and called him “an absolute warrior.”
This 3-3 draw with Leeds was emblematic of Liverpool’s current identity crisis under Arne Slot. As Lynch concluded, “The football is just not very good. It doesn’t give you any kind of feeling that things are going to turn around.”
With Inter Milan up next in the Champions League, followed by Brighton, the pressure is mounting. Lynch’s analysis offered no illusions, only facts. “There’s just not an awful lot to say that is positive around Liverpool at the moment,” he said.
For a club steeped in expectation, the coming weeks could define Slot’s tenure, and much more.
