Liverpool’s Title Race: Lynch on Set-Pieces, Rotation and Key Fixtures | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Title Race: David Lynch Assesses Recent Struggles

Liverpool’s pursuit of the Premier League title has hit an unexpected bump, with back-to-back defeats for the first time in Arne Slot’s tenure. On the latest episode of Media Matters for Anfield Index, David Lynch and Dave Davis dissected the team’s recent form, the response from fans, and what it all means for the title race.

Newcastle Defeat Raises Questions

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle left many questioning the performance, with Lynch acknowledging the stark contrast in intensity between the two sides: “Newcastle wanted it more. You could see it in the stands… It was a massive occasion for them, one they wanted to make the most of, whereas for Liverpool fans, they’re used to going to League Cup finals and winning them.”

He noted the physical battle in midfield as a key issue, with Newcastle’s Joelinton dominating Liverpool’s midfielders: “Joelinton almost rag-dolled our midfield at times, just physically battered them.”

Arne Slot’s Selection Decisions Scrutinised

Lynch also reflected on Arne Slot’s tactical decisions, particularly his choice to start Diogo Jota despite the forward’s struggles: “Jota isn’t getting those chances. He’s looking a yard short since that injury… but Slot goes with him because he wants that finishing prowess.”

Photo IMAGO

He further questioned the lack of rotation, especially given Liverpool’s congested fixture list: “It’s been a season of assessment, but does rotation come into the element next season? That’s the question.”

Set-Piece Issues Continue

One of the most concerning aspects of Liverpool’s loss was their struggles from set pieces, particularly defending against Newcastle’s Dan Burn: “Every time Newcastle got a corner, they were just pinging them flatly to the back post… and Dan Burn will win that header there.”

Lynch was surprised Liverpool didn’t adjust: “As soon as you see that’s the tactic, it’s madness to me that they didn’t just do a quick swap.”

Despite Arne Slot’s explanations post-match, Lynch believed this was an avoidable issue: “You just cannot be conceding set pieces and not doing anything to change it.”

Photo: IMAGO

Title Race Perspective

Despite the negativity surrounding the defeats, Lynch was clear that Liverpool remain in control of their title destiny: “It’s absolutely baffling to me that people can’t think beyond the last two results… Liverpool are going to win the league.”

He referenced Opta’s title model, which still gives Liverpool a 99% chance of lifting the trophy, adding: “For Liverpool to throw it away now, they’d have to lose four games, and Arsenal would have to be perfect. Both of those things are extremely unlikely.”

Davis also looked at the remaining fixtures, noting that Liverpool’s schedule is favourable: “You can say Fulham away is tricky, but they’re mid-table… Spurs will have a focus on the Europa League. It’s not a bad list of fixtures, and we don’t even need to win them all.”

Lynch summed up the situation with a final reminder of Liverpool’s achievements this season: “If someone had said at the start of the season that Liverpool would be winning the league, you’d snatch their hand off.”

With time to reset during the international break, Liverpool still hold the advantage in the title race. The key now is to regroup, refocus, and ensure the Premier League trophy returns to Anfield.