It is safe to say Liverpool’s season has not lived up to the standard expected.
While the Reds may have broken their four-game losing streak with a 5-1 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt last night, which showed many positives, it is not enough to undo the events of the last few weeks.
Arne Slot’s side have been so poor, even in some of their wins this season, but their losses to Chelsea and Manchester United especially highlighted the huge weaknesses that continue to plague the team.
Their defensive setup this season has been quite appalling at times, which can be pinned down to new players coming in, messing with the balance, and also stars not being their usual best selves.
What was shown against Frankfurt in the Champions League was their clear ability to change tactics when things are going wrong and display the control that Slot’s side was known for last season.
Ian Wright says Liverpool have no cohesion or understanding of what Arne Slot wants
This game was exactly the break needed for the Dutchman’s side, however, with Brentford at the weekend in the Premier League, they will have to work on defending long balls and winning second balls.
There has been much analysis of the problems of this Liverpool side, and Ian Wright, in his verdict on their start to this season, has given a fair assessment of the overall picture at the club.
READ MORE: Liverpool may not have to sign Antoine Semenyo after what one player did v Frankfurt
The former Arsenal and Crystal Palace forward was honest about the fact that he feels the problems are with the players not understanding the expectations from Slot.
Speaking to Stick to Football, the 61-year-old believed the team lacked the necessary cohesion to thrive.
Wright explained: “If I’m really totally honest, I don’t think they understand what the manager wants them to do in respect to what they’re doing. When you look at the way they’re playing, they either win or they lose. It’s famine or feast with them.
“There’s no real cohesion with them. None of the players are thriving in what they’re doing.”
Arne Slot may have found his cohesion against Eintracht Frankfurt
Last night’s performance was similar to one of the better displays this season from Liverpool when they faced Atletico Madrid, but their team sheet against the German team was probably the most ideal.
Watching how the group played together, stringing passes along the pitch, finding more space, and quite simply being able to keep the ball is the exact performance that is needed more frequently.
If that means not always using the likes of Mohamed Salah or Alexis Mac Allister every game, then so be it, although there are ways they can be slotted in when necessary.
What it does show is that Slot has a more improved setup in which to work off, which could be a real turning point for Liverpool’s fortunes.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
