Jim Boardman and Jay Reid return to look at all the latest on LFC from Liverpool.
On this week’s show there’s a look back at the games against Arsenal and Brighton and a look ahead to the games against Brighton (again) and Leverkusen.
Liverpool came away from the Emirates with a deserved point, but not so deserved if Arsenal fans are to be believed. The complaining about refereeing decisions, unless they’re on the right side of them, the inability to accept maybe they have some responsibility for their own bad days, the over-the-top celebrations after a win that meant nothing last season, they’re sounding more and more like another club we know all too well.
The Reds were far from perfect in that game, there were plenty of points for the staff to take away and work on, but a point was fair enough. The next game was in the League Cup, away to Brighton, and although it was a much-changed side there were spells in that game, just like the one before, where Liverpool seemed content to sit back and let the opposition have all the ball. It’s not going to be easy watching Liverpool do this, it’s not what we’ve grown used to over the years, but so far so good, it’s bringing the results.
The League Cup match was a game that gave Slot the chance to see what some of his backup players could do, and some took the opportunity better than others. Despite the win, it did show up some shortcomings amongst the squad, and perhaps some pointers on where the work needs to be done in the next window. Jay wonders if Tyler Morton might have done enough to put himself ahead of Endo as a fifth midfielder, although Jay almost thought he had a new role for Endo too, which didn’t quite work out.
Slot explained what he saw Alexis Mac Allister’s role as being, and how he’s been familiar with the player’s abilities since long before he took over at Anfield. Slot’s comments on his midfield this week underline just how much he has a first XI in mind, with just tweaks here and there to handle injuries or fatigue.
With what Slot already knew about his players, and what he’s learned so far, he and Richard Hughes must have some good ideas of where the gaps are and how to fill them. As Jay points out, given the lack of signings last summer, it would send out a positive message to fans if moves were made in the next window to strengthen the squad. As Jim adds, not sending that message would send out quite a different one and questions might start to be asked, not necessarily of Slot or Hughes.
Next up it’s Brighton at home and, with the clocks going back last weekend, the yellow balls will be out at Anfield for the first time this season, the floodlights needed well before full time. Will it be a game with the same kind of atmosphere that Anfield is famous for under the floodlights? It’s a 3pm kick off too, a rarity that many fans want more of.
After that it’s the return of Xabi Alonso, as he brings his Leverkusen side over for the next Champions League mega league match. Many wanted him to get the job that became Slot’s, so a lot will be read into how this game pans out.
