Jan Molby Reflects on Liverpool’s Performances Against Arsenal and Brighton | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Resilience Shines in Arsenal Draw and Brighton Cup Win, Says Jan Molby

In the latest episode of the Molby On The Spot podcast, former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby joined host Trev Downey to dissect Liverpool’s recent performances against Arsenal in the Premier League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup. With incisive reflections on player form, tactical decisions, and the resilience of Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, Molby offered insightful commentary that underscored the club’s potential and highlighted the depth and determination of its squad.

Key Takeaways from the 2-2 Draw with Arsenal

In the wake of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Molby praised the team’s composure and tactical adaptability, particularly in defence, where they faced immense pressure. “If you can’t see it over the last couple of years, you’re maybe not watching, or you’re watching through rose-tinted glasses,” Molby remarked, assessing the challenges Liverpool has encountered defensively, particularly in the left-back position. He referenced Andrew Robertson, pointing out the signs of his advancing age: “Robbo had some problems… he didn’t recover,” said Molby, noting that while Robertson’s “determination” and experience remain invaluable, age has slightly hindered his recovery speed.

For Molby, Liverpool’s resilience against Arsenal was emblematic of their broader tactical shift under Slot. With the match finishing in a draw, he acknowledged the team’s resilience in maintaining competitive intensity against Arsenal, who are one of the league’s top contenders. Downey and Molby discussed Jamie Carragher’s assessment, with Molby agreeing that Liverpool would need “additions” to challenge consistently, especially as Robertson’s physical demands increase. Still, Molby saw plenty of positives in the Arsenal game, as Liverpool “kept as close to the top as we can.”

Photo: IMAGO

Brighton Cup Win Highlights Liverpool’s Depth and Youth Promise

Molby’s analysis turned sharply to Liverpool’s 3-2 cup win over Brighton, a match that showcased the squad’s depth and hinted at the potential of emerging players. He expressed admiration for the younger talents, who stepped up against a resilient Brighton side, emphasising the impact of “good, well-organised loans” in developing young players, such as Yaros and Tyler Morton. Molby praised the loan system’s role in fostering the confidence and skill of Liverpool’s youth players, stating, “They play with the swagger of lads who have done well because they’ve got a lot of football under their belts.”

The Brighton victory served as a thrilling showcase of Liverpool’s attacking prowess, with young players demonstrating grit and precision. In Molby’s view, Brighton, despite their injury struggles, posed a formidable challenge, making Liverpool’s win all the more impressive. Molby noted that Brighton’s style encouraged Liverpool to adopt a more fluid, attacking approach, which eventually saw them break down the Brighton defence in an exhilarating finish.

Defensive and Midfield Considerations Ahead of Future Fixtures

Looking ahead, Molby and Downey discussed how Liverpool’s squad could hold up under the dual challenges of Premier League and European competition. Downey queried whether the left side of the defence, a persistent area of concern, needed strengthening to maintain Liverpool’s ambitions. Molby agreed, reflecting on Kostas Tsimikas as a backup to Robertson: “His deliveries and dead balls are fantastic,” Molby noted, though he questioned if Tsimikas was “the guy we want there” long-term.

Photo: IMAGO

In midfield, Molby observed that while Ryan Gravenberch is “still not that guy” in a holding role, his performance against Brighton showed versatility and promise. Molby hinted that Liverpool’s January transfer plans might be limited, predicting the club would likely hold off until summer to pursue key reinforcements: “I just think that I don’t think we’re going to sign anyone in January… I think they have bigger plans,” he said, pointing to Liverpool’s long-term squad development strategy.

Slot’s Leadership and Liverpool’s Title Hopes

Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool’s tactical evolution continues to intrigue Molby. While the team’s high-intensity style under previous manager Jurgen Klopp often relied on overwhelming opponents with relentless energy, Slot’s approach has brought a more controlled aggression. Molby acknowledged this shift, observing that Liverpool now has the capacity to “control games without the ball” and noted, “We controlled the game [against Chelsea] although we let Chelsea have the ball.”

Despite concerns about squad depth and potential injuries, Molby remains optimistic about Liverpool’s title chances, particularly if they can maintain their defensive stability and continue developing key positions. As he put it, “All we have to do… is keep doing what we’re doing,” highlighting that, in Molby’s view, Liverpool are well-placed to challenge for top honours this season, provided they can “keep everybody fit” and make strategic additions to their defence.

The Molby On The Spot episode is an insightful look into the strengths, challenges, and aspirations of Liverpool under Arne Slot. With more exciting fixtures on the horizon, including another clash with Brighton and key Champions League battles, fans can expect further twists in Liverpool’s quest for silverware, bolstered by both experience and promising new talent.