Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
Liverpool faced Chelsea on October 4, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat. Goals from Moises Caicedo and Estevao sealed the victory for Chelsea, while Cody Gakpo managed to score for Liverpool in the second half. This match marked the third consecutive loss for head coach Arne Slot, raising significant questions about his tactical approach and the team’s performance.
Slot is no ‘Tinkerman’ this season
Arne Slot’s management style has come under scrutiny following the recent string of defeats. In the lead-up to the Chelsea match, Slot expressed concerns about Liverpool’s lack of goals from open play and their predictability. This prompted him to make significant changes, including the signing of Florian Wirtz, a player who initially did not fit his tactical framework.
During the game against Chelsea, Slot experimented with various formations, shifting from a 4-2-2-2 against Crystal Palace to a 4-3-3 before settling into a 4-2-3-1 after halftime. Such frequent changes suggest a coach grappling with his identity and strategy. Substitutions that included pulling off Gakpo for Wataru Endo instead of another attacking option indicated overthinking on Slot’s part, leaving fans and analysts questioning his decision-making.
Liverpool’s left-hand side is a problem
The left flank of Liverpool’s defense has emerged as a notable weakness. Milos Kerkez, the first-choice left-back, has struggled to adapt to a role that requires him to balance defensive duties with his natural attacking instincts. While Slot has publicly backed Kerkez, the player’s slow integration into the squad has raised alarms.
Kerkez’s challenges have been compounded by the lack of synergy with fellow left-side players, notably Cody Gakpo. Their inability to form a cohesive partnership has hampered Liverpool’s offensive output on that side of the pitch. An example of this friction was evident when Kerkez’s forward run failed to connect with Mohamed Salah, showcasing the growing pains of a team in transition.
We all need to get used to Giorgi Mamardashvili
Giorgi Mamardashvili made his Premier League debut against Chelsea, stepping in due to Alisson’s injury. Slot’s assertion that the team should not change their play style with Mamardashvili in goal proved misleading. While Mamardashvili is recognized for his shot-stopping abilities, his distribution and composure on the ball are not at the level Liverpool fans have come to expect.
During the match, Mamardashvili’s discomfort with passes under pressure led to Chelsea’s opening goal, highlighting the adjustments the team must make in adapting to a goalkeeper who plays differently than the seasoned Alisson. As Liverpool navigates this transition, both players and fans will need to acclimate to Mamardashvili’s unique style.
Wirtz benched…and then responds
Florian Wirtz’s omission from the starting lineup against Chelsea sparked discussions about Liverpool’s tactical direction. Slot’s decision to bench the £116 million signing hinted at a shift toward a more physical midfield to contend with Chelsea’s robust play. However, Wirtz’s introduction at halftime reinvigorated Liverpool’s attack, as he quickly created a significant chance for Salah, demonstrating his impact on the game.
This highlights the potential for Wirtz to be a central figure in Liverpool’s midfield. His skill set, which diverges from the current norms within the team, suggests that Slot must find a way to integrate him effectively, particularly in upcoming matches against teams like Manchester United, where a creative spark could be crucial.
Where do Liverpool go from here?
Liverpool’s current situation appears grim, with the team struggling to perform after a summer of significant changes. The players need to elevate their performances, including key figures like Salah, Kerkez, and Gakpo, who are not meeting expectations. Coupled with Alisson’s injury and tactical adjustments from Slot, the path forward seems uncertain.
Despite being just a point off the top of the Premier League table, the lack of optimism surrounding the team’s prospects is palpable. The question remains: can Slot revert to a more straightforward approach that capitalizes on Liverpool’s strengths? As the team prepares for their next fixtures, finding a balance between tactical innovation and foundational stability will be essential for restoring confidence and performance on the pitch.