“A Tale of Two Halves” – Arne Slot Must Learn From Liverpool’s Second-Half Performance at Arsenal | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Tactical Missteps and Tactical Improvements: A Tale of Two Halves

He’ll learn from this one, as they say in football. When Liverpool took on Arsenal in what was billed as a crucial Premier League clash, the first half revealed glaring tactical deficiencies from Arne Slot’s side. Arsenal dominated, especially in midfield, where they systematically outnumbered and outmanoeuvred Liverpool’s central players.

The possession and shots statistics at half-time told the tale of a game that looked like it was slipping away from Liverpool. It’s also important to focus on what he changed and said. Slot’s proving his importance in the changing room.

Arsenal’s Dominance in the First Half

Arne Slot had a bad first half – there’s no avoiding that. Arsenal capitalised on Liverpool’s frailties, outclassing them in possession and territory. The statistics at half-time were damning. With Arsenal holding 53% possession and Liverpool struggling to create meaningful chances, it was clear that the tactical setup wasn’t working. Arsenal had six shots by the break, with two on target, compared to Liverpool’s three, and importantly, it wasn’t just the numbers; it was the flow of the game. The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, were assertive, and Liverpool were reactive.

Photo: IMAGO

This lack of a proactive approach from Slot allowed Arsenal to go into the break with a 2-1 lead. The midfield was often overrun, with Liverpool failing to establish any foothold. Arsenal’s quick passing and incisive movement had Liverpool chasing shadows at times, and it felt like a third goal was imminent. The full-backs were pinned back, unable to contribute offensively, which further exacerbated the issues.

Changes That Made the Difference

What followed was a lesson in adaptability. Arne Slot didn’t hesitate to acknowledge his mistakes and rectify them at the right moment. The introduction of Szoboszlai, Tsimikas, and Gakpo was a tactical masterstroke. Szoboszlai, in particular, added dynamism and energy to the midfield, while Tsimikas helped stretch the play on the left, providing much-needed width that Arsenal had closed off earlier. Gakpo, meanwhile, brought a directness and physicality that helped Liverpool claw their way back into the game.

Slot got the substitutions spot on. The midfield battle began to swing in Liverpool’s favour, and Arsenal started to lose their earlier grip on the game. Liverpool’s pressing became more coordinated, and they forced Arsenal into mistakes. The second-half statistics further proved Liverpool’s resurgence. They ended the game with 55% possession and 9 shots (4 on goal compared to Arsenal’s 3).

Slot’s Post-Match Reflections

Arne Slot’s post-match comments struck the perfect balance of realism and optimism. He didn’t shy away from addressing the difficulty of the first half:

“Going two times behind against a very strong and good Arsenal team, to get a point is pleasing to see because we had to play an away game in Europe this week.”

Slot went on to praise his team’s resilience and ability to fight back:

“To go two times behind with the fans being so loud and the team coming back so strong in the second half, I didn’t feel we deserved to go in 2-1 behind.”

His acknowledgement of the atmosphere and the team’s grit in the face of adversity speaks volumes about the character he is instilling in this Liverpool side. As he added:

“It’s very pleasing to see we had the energy and we were so strong to fight back in the game.”

Lessons for Slot Moving Forward

This game will undoubtedly serve as a learning experience for Arne Slot. While his initial tactical approach left his team exposed, his ability to make decisive changes when it mattered most salvaged a point from a game that could easily have slipped away. The key takeaway for Slot will be the importance of controlling the midfield battle from the outset, something Arsenal clearly had the upper hand in during the first 45 minutes.

Photo: IMAGO

How often has he mentioned the word control in interviews? Slot will learn a lot from this match and will undoubtedly take these lessons forward into the coming fixtures. With his tactical flexibility and willingness to make bold substitutions, Liverpool will remain a formidable force, but tightening up their midfield will be essential if they are to continue competing at the highest level.