Arne Slot led Liverpool to the EPL title last season | Credit: IMAGO / Shutterstock
Despite the strong start to the title defence, a disturbing trait which has plagued Liverpool in the ongoing term is conceding leads easily. In two matches this season, against Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid respectively, the ‘Reds’ were leading 2-0 in both the matches at some point in time.
However, they managed to concede the lead on both the occasions, only to see themselves avenge full points by dying minute goals. Liverpool did manage to pull off disaster management in each case, but their manager Arne Slot feels it is an area where they need to work going forward in the season.
“It's not ideal that we have a two-nil lead twice, and we gave it away. So this is something we definitely have to improve as many other things we have to improve. But the positive thing about it is also that then if we feel the urgency again we're able to score a goal,” stated Arne Slot, during the pre-match conference, ahead of the Everton game.
Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike were on target and gave them a handsome advantage against Newcastle United with half the game to be played. Unfortunately, they allowed the hosts to come back into the game, with strikes from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula. Only a late stoppage time goal from Rio Ngumoha helped them come back from St. James Park with three points.
Meanwhile, Andrew Robertson and Mohammed Salah gave them a two-goal cushion as early as in the 6th minute of the game against the Spanish giants, in Anfield, during midweek. Marcos Llorente’s double strike, one on either side of the half-time whistle brought them back into the game surprisingly.
Seasoned campaigner Virgil Van Djik bailed them out this time around, in the dying moments of the game. Arne Slot feels that the players will not have the ‘energy’ to stage a late comeback each time.
“But this is definitely something we talk about - the two-nil lead because you can run out of energy or run out of steam towards the end of the season mentally and physically if every game goes to the end to win a game of football. So it's never a good idea to keep on doing this, but yeah, if we need it, I still hope we can do it,” added the manager.
Swedish striker Alexander Isak is yet to make to make his Premier League debut for Liverpool this season, after his £125m British record deal from Newcastle on deadline day. He was not included in their squad against Burnley to fast track his recovery process.
Isak, however, did start against Atletico Madrid in their continental fixture, but was benched in the 58th minute, which raised concerns about his fitness. When asked about his availability for the Derby, Slot was quick to respond that a call on him will be taken only after the final training session.
“I don't think I tell the media a lot the day before the game how we start the game. So, we had recovery yesterday. Actually, we're going to train this afternoon. So, first of all, we have to see how they all feel,” remarked the Dutchman.
“What I do know is that Alex did feel his body more. Maybe than ever before, after the 60 minutes he played. So let's see how he's recovered today and then we're going to think about the line-up mainly today and you will hear it tomorrow,” concluded Slot.
Following the ‘Merseyside Derby’, Liverpool will be playing against Southampton in their EPL Cup third round match. Arne Slot’s side will be travelling to London next weekend, to face Crystal Palace in their Premier League fixture.
