“It can’t continue” – Analyzing Liverpool’s Tactics and Doku’s Dominance
Doku’s Destructive Performance
Jeremy Doku showcased his exceptional talent during Manchester City’s emphatic 3-0 victory, exploiting gaps in Liverpool’s setup. Liverpool’s strategy left them exposed on the right side, particularly with Mohamed Salah not tracking back, which allowed Doku to thrive. Conor Bradley struggled to contain both Doku and Nico O’Reilly, and had Salah provided better support, the outcome might have been different, yet Doku’s form made him a formidable opponent regardless.
The brilliance of Doku was evident — his skill, speed, power, and fearless play were a sight to behold, culminating in an outstanding goal. Liverpool’s formation inadvertently facilitated Doku’s impressive performance, transforming the right flank into a prolific attacking zone for City, contributing significantly to their decisive win.
Liverpool Left Vulnerable
Liverpool was caught off guard.
Liverpool’s inability to address the emerging vulnerabilities prior to the clash is surprising. O’Reilly has been a vital asset for City, often positioning himself deep in attack. With Salah’s position high up the field, Bradley frequently found himself alone against Doku and O’Reilly, a situation that became increasingly challenging.
Throughout the match, Bradley seemed trapped between the two forwards, unable to effectively mark either. Ryan Gravenberch’s attempts to offer support only created more gaps for City to exploit, as he too had concerns about space in the central areas where players like Phil Foden were waiting.
Tactical Breakdown
Even though Ibrahima Konate tried to aid Bradley, he ended up covering substantial ground, creating additional openings in the middle. City’s attacks predominantly came from this left side, a tactic they seemed to employ strategically during the game.
Liverpool’s formation allowed them to be pulled apart defensively, a fact they likely anticipated. Teams like Chelsea had similarly exploited Liverpool’s weaknesses previously, and Sunday showcased a broader exposure of their defensive frailties.
Slot’s Dilemmas and Tactical Concerns
Concerns have been raised regarding Salah’s lack of defensive contributions. In past seasons, he participated more often in defensive duties, but recently expressed a preference for focusing on offensive plays. While Liverpool triumphed when Salah avoided defensive responsibilities, games like this reveal a necessity for balance.
Despite his prowess, Salah’s responsibility to assist Bradley should have been prioritized, ensuring Liverpool could compete more effectively against aggressive opponents.
No Excuses for Liverpool’s Underperformance
Game Decisions and their Impact
A crucial aspect of the game was Liverpool’s inability to adjust their tactics. The lack of pressing and intensity was starkly contrasted with their performances against teams like Aston Villa and Real Madrid. While they may have been fatigued from their recent high-stakes match, City also faced a tough schedule; therefore, fatigue cannot be considered a valid excuse.
If Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed equalizer had stood, it could have shifted the game dynamics. Nonetheless, this decision did not dictate Liverpool’s loss, as City asserted control throughout the match.
Title Race Implications
As a result of this defeat, Liverpool’s standing in the Premier League title race has become precarious. They remain eight points behind Arsenal, who dropped points recently, which might seem like a small advantage, yet Liverpool’s inconsistency raises concerns regarding their competitiveness.
This is a testing period for both Manager Arne Slot and the squad, but time remains for them to regroup, refine their approach, and address their defensive shortcomings. Currently, however, there appears to be a long road ahead to regaining their form, especially as City have established themselves as strong title contenders following their early-season struggles.