Liverpool prolonged their unbeaten run to 13 video games with a 3-0 win at Marseille, with Arne Slot‘s full-backs afforded the chance to showcase their finest qualities.
Marseille 0-3 Liverpool
Champions League (7) | Stade VelodromeJanuary 21, 2026
Targets: Szoboszlai 45+1′, Rulli OG 72′, Gakpo 90+3′
1. Arne Slot will get it tactically spot on
He’s had sufficient criticism this season, so how about Arne Slot will get some deserved credit score for Liverpool’s efficiency on this one?
The Dutchman’s 4-2-2-2 formation did an ideal job of quietening down a Marseille assault that had scored extra targets than PSG (41) in Ligue 1 this season, limiting them to 0.88xG largely earned by speculative pictures from exterior the field.
It additionally allowed the Reds to simply work the ball from again to entrance, leading to 11 pictures and 1.49 xG generated – and that would have been a lot extra with some cleaner passing within the remaining third.
The tweak to Ryan Gravenberch‘s positioning, which noticed him dropping in to right-back to present Jeremie Frimpong licence to roam, additionally proved a masterstroke.
Slot has obtained lots unsuitable this time period, however this was a superbly coached efficiency that evokes actual hope that the Champions League may present a silver lining on this disappointing marketing campaign.
2. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez set the tone
Arguably the perfect factor about Liverpool’s slim setup is that it emphasised the qualities of their full-backs.
Other than enjoying a key position within the second objective, Frimpong was a menace all evening down the suitable, pinning Marseille again and successful 5/10 floor duels when pressured to defend.
Milos Kerkez, too, was vigorous, locking down Mason Greenwood (I’ll allow you to add to that one…) in successful 7/10 duels total and offering an outlet down the left.
The entire summer time’s enterprise appeared to be targeted on what these two gamers may present, and so it absolutely is sensible to stay with a plan that makes essentially the most of that going ahead.
3. Joe Gomez shines in uncommon Liverpool outing after stepping in for Ibrahima Konate
Unsurprisingly, given his lack of minutes, Joe Gomez has tended to look rusty when referred to as upon this season, and so that you fearful for him this night.
However the Englishman barely put a foot unsuitable standing in for Ibrahima Konate, absent for household causes, exhibiting simply why he has registered so many appearances for this membership down the years.
Gomez gained 3/5 duels, posted three recoveries, and made seven clearances as a part of a sometimes composed efficiency.
He additionally confirmed he’s no slouch on the ball, finishing a ridiculous 100% of his passes.If solely he may keep match!
4. Mo Salah’s spat with Arne Slot seems to be over
This will not have been his finest sport in a Liverpool shirt, however the actual fact Mohamed Salah was concerned from the off felt vital.
Previous to the Egyptian’s departure to the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot had felt that he had such a damaging impact on his group’s out-of-possession setup that he had no alternative however to drop him.
But right here the top coach was, beginning his No. 11 on the first accessible alternative following his return in a Champions League away sport wherein the Reds had been anticipated to be critically examined.
Salah didn’t reward that decision with a superb attacking exhibiting, taking simply two pictures and creating one likelihood, however he did sufficient off the ball to justify his place.
Hopefully, the truce between the 2 that seems to have been referred to as can maintain agency going ahead.
5. Liverpool in driving seat for Champions League prime eight
With Liverpool’s type so mediocre coming into this, you felt {that a} level was the perfect they may hope for, and the reality is that wouldn’t have been the worst end result by way of their top-eight possibilities.
However, after moderately surprisingly claiming all three in assured style, Slot’s males now instantly look an extremely protected guess to keep away from a harmful two-legged playoff.
They sit fourth within the standings after seven video games performed, and their remaining fixture sees 18th-placed Qarabag journey to Anfield.
If 16 factors will get you prime eight because it did final season, then absolutely the Reds are all however by?
