Steve Nicol Bruce Grobbler Ian Rush
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Liverpool’s latest defeat to Chelsea has intensified scrutiny over their tactical approach, particularly during the match’s closing stages. The Reds, who initially seemed poised to secure a draw after Cody Gakpo’s equalizer, ultimately succumbed to a stoppage-time winner by Estevao. This loss came on the heels of Arsenal’s victory over West Ham United, which saw Liverpool relinquish the top spot in the Premier League table.
Steve Nicol said: “That’s why they get the goal. You could have stuck anybody in a Blue jersey on at the end of that game going forward. Liverpool were an absolute shambles by the end. Endo, in my opinion, wasn’t brought on to take the point. Mac Allister was knackered, that’s why Endo came on. This wasn’t some sort of tactical move because from the minute Endo came on to the last whistle, Liverpool were charging forward like it was a cavalry challenge. They’re just playing desperation football. They’re desperate. How can you turn an XI into what Liverpool finished with? Two of your three midfielders are playing in the back line. You’ve taken your left back off. You’re stuck in a left back on who’s never going to be able to stick with Estevao or anybody else or Neto or anybody. I mean, it’s just this by the end of the game, it’s a shambles. You turn your midfield into your defence. You turn your defence into people going forward. Your front three, including Mo Salah, who right now couldn’t hit a barn door if he was standing in front of it. Mo Salah is suffering more than anybody because of the fact that Liverpool cannot keep the ball. Mo Salah is not your normal football player. This is a player who stands on it, gives it away but he scores goals. And he’s always been the same. Right now there’s one piece of those three missing. And that’s the goals. The biggest problem is Liverpool cannot play three passes among themselves together… is on sale now. Liverpool, yet again, were not half the side they were last year. Liverpool, again, were guilty of coughing the ball up. Liverpool, again, were guilty of getting run though in the middle of the park. They were guilty defensively of not defending properly. They are so many things that were wrong with Liverpool, that have been wrong with them since the season started – not just today’s game. He’s clinging onto a couple of chances that were half-chances. There’s not one chance in that game today when you’re saying Liverpool should score… The truth of the matter is Chelsea were the better side and Liverpool were miles off it.”
The match saw Hugo Ekitike replace Alexander Isak in the 74th minute, while Wataru Endo was brought on for Alexis Mac Allister in the 86th minute. These substitutions, particularly the introduction of Endo, drew criticism as Liverpool’s setup appeared chaotic, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch ending up in defensive roles. Nicol’s comments highlighted the disarray, describing Liverpool’s play as “desperation football.”
Mohamed Salah, a key figure in Liverpool’s attack, was also criticized for his performance. Nicol noted Salah’s struggle to make an impact, attributing it to Liverpool’s inability to maintain possession and create cohesive plays. This lack of coherence has been a recurring issue for Liverpool this season, as they continue to fall short of their previous form.
With Liverpool’s tactical choices under the microscope, the team’s ability to adapt and respond to challenges remains a pressing concern as they navigate the ongoing Premier League season.
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