Liverpool fell short against Manchester United thanks to a feeble first half, a lack of individual quality, and some questionable decisions from Arne Slot.
Despite almost mounting a second-half comeback, Liverpool’s performance against Man United didn’t meet the standards a game of this magnitude requires.
Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool back from the brink, but their search for a winner was unsuccessful. Instead, it was the home side who found a way. That happens, but it has to be said that Slot didn’t do his team any favours.
Did anyone else deserve a 3/10 alongside Mac Allister?
Second-half display saved some from MUCH worse ratings
Arne Slot’s questionable substitutions cost Liverpool against Man United
Liverpool had the momentum after drawing level in the 56th minute, but Slot decided to make just one change after that. Milos Kerkez came on for Andy Robertson on the hour mark.
Rio Ngumoha came on in the 75th, and Federico Chiesa replaced Ibrahima Konate with just a couple of minutes to play.
Liverpool weren’t spoilt for choice with attackers to bring on, but why did it take so long for Slot to make those changes? And why was Alexis Mac Allister on the pitch for 90 minutes?
After such a strong start to the second half, it was as though the Reds took the foot off the gas. This was a game for third place in the Premier League, which now looks to be out of reach with just three games to play.
Liverpool substitutions not a new problem with Arne Slot
Last season, it was as though Slot could do no wrong. His tactical tweaks and personnel changes worked more often than not during Liverpool’s run to the title.
This season, he has lost that edge.
Which Liverpool player was most to blame for defeat against Manchester United?
There have been far too many times when a substitution was made far too late or not at all. In games like the one at Old Trafford, those decisions can make or break you.
The squad is admittedly down to its bare bones, but there were options for Slot to fall back on. He didn’t.
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