Liverpool's Bold Strategy Pays Off with 5-1 Victory Over Frankfurt
Liverpool manager Arne Slot made daring decisions during Wednesday's Champions League match, particularly following four consecutive losses.
Desperate for a win, Slot made the controversial choice to bench star player Mohamed Salah against Eintracht Frankfurt and opted for a new formation.
The most notable change was the introduction of British record signing Alexander Isak alongside the in-form Hugo Ekitike for their first start together.
Slot's risks paid off as Liverpool decisively defeated their German opponents 5-1, with Ekitike scoring against his former club.
However, the victory came at a cost, as Isak did not return for the second half due to a groin injury. "He had to go off at half-time because he felt his groin a little bit," Slot told TNT Sports after the match. "That is a pity, but it is a difficult balance to find with a player who missed three months. You bring them back slowly, and sometimes people argue that you cannot play him more or longer. We played him for the second time in three days, and unfortunately, he had to go off. Let's hope for the best."
A System for the Future? How Did Liverpool Play?
The main intrigue before the game was how Liverpool would perform with both Ekitike and Isak in the starting lineup. Previously, Slot had opted to rotate the two, making this their first opportunity to play together from the start.
BBC Sport's football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan:
"Slot altered his approach against Frankfurt, and it ultimately paid off. Liverpool played in a 4-4-2 formation out of possession, which is common for his teams, with Florian Wirtz defending as a right midfielder. In possession, they adopted a fluid 3-2-5 shape. Cody Gakpo and initially Jeremie Frimpong, followed by Conor Bradley, maintained width on the flanks. Isak played slightly to the left, Wirtz on the right, and Ekitike down the middle, with these three rotating positions. Defensively, Liverpool appeared vulnerable at times, and the attacking midfield trio, combined with Slot's rotation-heavy strategy, left gaps in the middle. However, in possession, the performance was filled with promising displays and budding partnerships that may inform how Slot seeks to restore Liverpool's form, potentially at the expense of some established players."
More Clinical but Defensive Frailties Remain?
Initially, Liverpool struggled with the new system, and their defensive weaknesses were exposed when Frankfurt scored first through a swift counterattack. The Reds have now conceded 18 goals in 13 matches this season, compared to just seven at the same point last year, and they have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight games.
However, Liverpool gradually found their rhythm, and their high-pressing style in the second half was particularly impressive. Crucially, they capitalized on their chances, with five different players finding the net.
"I believe this could be a long-term system for Slot, but time will reveal that," former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock told BBC Sport. "There will always be minor flaws in a new system; it won't be perfect right away. Adapting to a new approach away from home can be challenging at the start, but they soon took control and played comfortably. I thought Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones were exceptional, both on the ball and as they advanced, but they need to understand their defensive responsibilities as well. As the game progressed, they learned to maintain their positions instead of pressing unnecessarily."
While the Isak-Ekitike partnership lasted only 45 minutes, many observers are excited about the potential of them playing together more frequently. "I like it," former Manchester United striker Andy Cole remarked. "They are both young and bought for the future. I can see them working well as a pair, causing chaos with their pace and ability to take on defenders." Ekitike's goal against Frankfurt marked his sixth for the Reds, indicating he has adapted well among Liverpool's summer signings.
"I thought Ekitike was the standout player," commented former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports. "He needs to be a guaranteed starter now. He is everywhere and a beautiful football player."
A Get Out of Jail for Salah?
Salah has scored 52 goals in the Champions League, a remarkable feat when considering the rest of the Liverpool squad has combined for 31. Therefore, Slot's decision to bench him in a crucial match was a bold move, especially after he had also sat out Liverpool's previous European fixture against Galatasaray.
Despite scoring 29 Premier League goals last season, Salah has struggled this term, netting only two goals in eight league games. His dip in form is evident, as he appeared eager to score during his 16-minute appearance against Frankfurt, opting for a challenging shot instead of a better-placed pass to Wirtz.
"The season he had last year was one of the best I've seen," Hargreaves noted. "Perhaps making him a little angrier could be beneficial. They now have options." Warnock added, "Salah hasn't been firing on all cylinders, but the performance against Eintracht Frankfurt showed they can succeed without him. With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching in December, this match provided a glimpse of how they might cope in his absence. If the system proves effective, it may be challenging to reintegrate Salah before then, but Isak's injury could provide an opportunity for him to reclaim his spot."
With Isak potentially sidelined, Salah is likely to get the chance to reaffirm his status as Liverpool's key player as they aim to build on this victory against Brentford on Saturday.