In a tight encounter last weekend, United managed to edge past a very impressive Liverpool. Much has been said about Liverpool’s performance in the press, but on a tactical standpoint Liverpool’s positional fluidity was very interesting to watch.

Liverpool started in their normal 4-3-3 shape but on the ball this quickly switched to a 4-4-2 and even at times to a 4-1-5. Mac Allister’s role was incredibly important in Liverpool’s shape and ball progression. Mac Allister would push very high and play almost like a second striker. He would often drift off the center back and drop into space between United’s midfield and defensive line which caused confusion for United’s RCB and RWB. Moreover, when Liverpool had sustained possession in the opposition’s half, Szoboszlai would push even higher up and play almost as a central striker, which meant Mac Allister and Isak drifted wider, which meant Liverpool basically had 3 strikers and 5 up front with Salah and Gakpo on the wings.

This meant that Amad and Dalot played very low, almost as fullbacks, as they were responsible to mark Liverpool’s wingers. Tactically this was very smart from Slot, as this helped Liverpool control proceedings and forced United to camp outside their box for large amounts of time. However, Liverpool’s slow ball movement meant they couldn’t take advantage of their positional superiority in central areas. What I believe Liverpool should’ve rectified was when Isak and Mac Allister would drop deep, the United center backs would step with them which created a huge gap between United’s central CB and their Wing backs which neither Salah nor Gakpo took advantage of. A simple outside to inside run into the gap could’ve caused huge trouble for United’s backline.

In the second half, it was much the same until Slot made his changes. With the substitutes being brought on, Liverpool switch to a 4-4-2. Almost instantly, Liverpool’s play was quicker, sharper and more dynamic. They looked much more dangerous. Ekitike brought much needed energy to Liverpools front line. Kerkez had the license to bomb up, the interchange between the midfield and the attacking was very fluid, with players continuously switching positions. This Liverpool resembled much more to the Liverpool from last season. Their second half display was excellent, so much so, that I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool start playing in a 4-4-2 more frequently.

Moving on now to United. On a tactical standpoint United didn’t make many changes to what we are used to seeing from them. But one thing’s for sure, United played with hunger and fight which had been missing for the past several games. They backed each other up and were very dangerous on the counter. Fernandes was fantastic and was instrumental in United’s transitions from defense to attack . Mbeumo was very good, causing Kerkez lots of trouble, who United seemed to target by emphasizing their attack on the right flank.

All in all, this was a very interesting tactical battle. United played very well and with their defensive effort alone deserved the result. Liverpool, played, in my opinion, a very solid game, and as Slot said after the game Liverpool shouldn’t be worried about their current form. Their form will pick back up, that I am sure of.