Anfield Index

From a morale boosting win to mounting squad anxiety, Liverpool’s Sunderland victory came at a cost. Dave Davis and David Lynch assess the growing injury and selection concerns shaping Arne Slot’s season, starting with Wataru Endo’s worrying knock after an impressive emergency right back display. With Trent Alexander Arnold, Jeremie Frimpong, and others already sidelined, the position is becoming a problem zone at a critical stage. Joe Gomez’s return offers some relief, but fitness reliability remains a lingering concern. The conversation then shifts to Liverpool’s faltering wing threat. Mohamed Salah’s assist record continues to climb, yet performances suggest a physical drop off. Cody Gakpo’s form slump raises tactical and developmental questions, is it system, confidence, or individual regression? Key talking points include: • Endo injury impact and right back depth • Gomez return and Frimpong timeline • Salah output vs physical decline debate • Gakpo role confusion and form collapse • Why winger recruitment looks inevitable There is also discussion around Curtis Jones, whose reduced minutes and transfer links hint at a potentially emotional summer departure. A squad still competing, but one increasingly showing the strain lines beneath the surface. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Hendrick looks at all the LFC related news & gossip. Today he looks at the win agaisnt Sunderland, and then discusses Van dijk as an all time CB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool delivered a result few expected, and maybe one that says more about their resilience than any recent performance. Dave Davis is joined by David Lynch to dissect a gritty 3 point haul away at Sunderland, their first home defeat of the season. While not a classic in aesthetic terms, the underlying numbers and control told a different story, Liverpool generated enough to win in open play, dominated territory, and restricted chaos in one of the league’s toughest away environments. The discussion focuses on the defensive platform that made it possible. Virgil van Dijk produced a captain’s performance packed with clearances, aerial dominance, and the decisive goal. Ibrahima Konate matched him duel for duel, handling Sunderland’s physical threat superbly. Together, they delivered a throwback centre back masterclass. Further forward, Florian Wirtz continued his rapid Premier League adaptation. Despite Liverpool failing to score from open play, his technical quality, chance creation, and composure marked him as the standout attacking spark. Also covered: • Sunderland tactical approach vs Liverpool control • Set piece improvement, coincidence or coaching impact? • Winning without fluency, is it progress? • Defensive structure vs chaos football A performance that will not live long in highlight reels, but one that could matter deeply in the season run in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Hendrick & Karl Matchett discuss the managerial changes in the Premier League this week with Spurs sacking Frank & Forest sacking Dyche. They also look at the FA Cup weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices