YESTERDAY a faltering Liverpool side, suddenly full of doubt and burdened with a pressure they are not accustomed to dealing with, headed to Frankfurt in dire need of a win and a performance.
They travelled to Germany on the back of four consecutive losses, last losing a quartet of competitive fixtures back-to-back 11 years ago. The welter of positive press that accompanied their expensive summer overhaul and the widely held assumption that Arne Slot’s Reds will go from strength to strength this season now feels like ancient history.
What they could really have done with last night was a first clean sheet in seven, if only to quiet the narrative that their defence is too suspect to mount another successful title bid, while it would also helped their cause to avoid more late drama; one of two missions accomplished in their impressive dismantling of Frankfurt, at least. The fact that they conceded first for the fifth consecutive game will raise concerns, even if their response was reminiscent of Liverpool of old.
A proficient and pragmatic display was needed, similar to what Manchester City executed in Villarreal on Tuesday. Early goals. Job done. Shut up shop.
What happened was a blitz of attacking intent. Almost as though the Red machine was stung into life. Etikite levelling at his former club, while Wirtz also seemed to enjoy the familiarity of returning to Germany, assisting twice and showing glimpses of just why Liverpool forked out so much for him this summer.
Yet, as impressive and dominant a victory as this was, does it significantly alter the story arc that is being written in 2025/26? Or is it merely a single, small plaster failing to cover a multitude of wounds?
Detailing Liverpool’s issues right now demands a deep breath and, ideally, a checklist so as not to overlook anything.
Alexander Isak is still to ignite, a situation exacerbated by his ‘understudy’ Hugo Ekitike outperforming him. Florian Wirtz had yet to score or assist in 678 minutes of competitive football. Tipped as the signing of the summer, yesterday’s performance will go some way to dispelling the notion that he is the top-flight’s costliest flop, charged with mediocrity and unbalancing the team.
The remodelling of Liverpool’s full-backs clearly hasn’t worked. Milos Kerkez must have a small hole in his head from the number of times Van Dijk has glared at him, while Jeremie Frimpong too often inhabits Mo Salah’s space.
Speaking of the Egyptian, what has become of him? The last time we witnessed such a dramatic slump from greatness to ordinariness, Oasis put out Be Here Now. His absence last night was telling, with Liverpool looking far more robust without him. His introduction in the 74th minute also warrants a mention. He managed three shots, with two of those on target, but had a glorious opportunity to tee up Wirtz for what would have been a shoo-in. His decision not to speak volumes, and it will be interesting to see how the 33-year-old fits into Slot’s plans going forward.
Compensating for these shortcomings has led to an over-reliance on Ryan Gravenberch, so it’s a major concern that the Dutch fulcrum is a big doubt for the weekend. That leaves us with the defence, one that has conceded 2+ goals in 58% of their outings this term. Across the whole of last season that percentage was 26%.
There is therefore an awful lot for Brentford to stress-test and expose at the GTech this Saturday. Frankly, they are spoilt for choice.
It is highly pertinent, then, that the Bees are rather good at this, even after losing Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa over the summer and with a new manager at the helm taking them in a different direction.
Early last month Chelsea were subjected to sustained periods of chaos, the Bees peppering them with long throws and direct fare that capitalised on the pace of Schade and Thiago up front.
A fortnight later, Manchester United collapsed when encountering the host’s endeavour and enterprise, Brentford carving out six big chances all told.
With Keith Andrews’ mandate beginning to take hold in West London, it’s worth noting they have been most impactful in early exchanges this season. In fact, only Manchester City have scored more goals before the break.
Should Liverpool suffer defeat again, they are in real danger of going seven points behind Arsenal, but that’s assuming the Gunners are triumphant the following day when encountering Crystal Palace. And that would be a misguided assumption to make.
Naturally, the enormous caveat here is that the Gunners have been consistently superb to this juncture, uber-solid at the back, with a fine blend of craft and grit in the middle, and blessed with a plethora of individuals in the final third capable of making the difference.
At the Emirates they have scored 2.9 goals per 90 and conceded just once in six outings.
Yet, all the same, Oliver Glasner’s side – a side that drew 2-2 in North London last April – should be dismissed at peril.
On the road the Eagles have created 3.5 big chances per 90 from a healthy return of 12.5 shots per game and all while keeping two clean sheets, at Stamford Bridge and Villa Park.
Moreover, with Jean-Philippe Mateta in such lethal form, scoring 0.65 goals per 90 in the league alone, with a better shot accuracy than Erling Haaland, the visitors have a reliable outlet to capitalise if Arsenal allow their exceptional standards to slip.
Does this mean Palace should be backed to secure a surprise three points? It does not, though the 7/2 available on a draw does appeal while it can also be argued this is the title challengers toughest test since heading to the fiery environs of St James Park. Tougher even than Atletico Madrid who were demolished in a whirlwind 13 minutes last night.
If Liverpool and Arsenal are both in for taxing weekends, the same can be said twice-over for Manchester City, who face down in-form Aston Villa away, having failed to win in the Midlands in their last three attempts.
Like Arsenal, the Blues are in very decent shape and, furthermore, have developed a handy knack for scoring early this term, notching inside 20 minutes in seven of their last nine games. Erling Haaland, meanwhile, has opened the scoring in eight of the last 10 matches in which he has struck.
Yet if Haaland as first goalscorer at 16/5 is worthy of consideration, that takes nothing away from the substantial threat Unai Emery’s men pose, after overcoming a troubling start to their campaign to rediscover their groove.
Up front Donyell Malen has come to the fore, while behind him John McGinnis is always given licence to roam forward, often to good effect. The Scot has converted three in his last five starts.
Add in Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins – who has four previous goal involvements in this fixture – and a revitalised Emu Buendia and the hosts for sure have the ways and means to trouble an opposition who typically offer up chances, unavoidably so.
And ironically, when identifying where and when the Villans can cause some damage, we go back to City’s flying starts, early advantages that have too often led to the eight-time Premier League champions game-managing their way through second halves.
They take the foot off the gas. They coast, believing their work to be done.
In City’s last four away games we have seen this occur, and twice they have been sucker-punched for their complacency, at Arsenal and Monaco.
If they dare do the same again this Sunday, if ahead, we are in for a rollicking last 45.
Please remember to gamble responsibly. Visit our Safer Gambling section for more information, help, and advice.
