Liverpool’s 5-0 Win Decoded: Salah’s Brilliance Shines | OneFootball

Liverpool’s 5-0 Win Decoded: Salah’s Brilliance Shines | OneFootball

Icon: Anfield Index

Anfield Index

·2 January 2025

Liverpool’s 5-0 Win Decoded: Salah’s Brilliance Shines

Article image:Liverpool’s 5-0 Win Decoded: Salah’s Brilliance Shines

Mohamed Salah’s Brilliance and Liverpool’s Dominance: A Tactical Breakdown

In a spectacular display against West Ham, Liverpool reinforced their reputation as a dominant force under Arne Slot’s leadership. The “Stat Me Up” podcast on Anfield Index, featuring insightful analysis from Phil Barter and Dave Davis, unpacked this emphatic performance. This article explores their key insights, focusing on Mo Salah’s unmatched brilliance, Liverpool’s tactical dominance, and what the future holds for the Reds.

Mo Salah’s Masterclass in Attack

Phil Barter left no doubt about Mohamed Salah’s critical role in Liverpool’s success, saying, “Salah was absolutely astonishing.” The numbers back this up: Salah accounted for 9% of Liverpool’s overall threat, with a staggering 19 penalty box touches—more than the entire West Ham squad combined.


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Dave Davis couldn’t hide his admiration, describing Salah’s assist for Cody Gakpo as “a reverse nutmeg followed by another nutmeg—pure brilliance.” Salah’s seven shots, four on target, and his contribution to two goals underscored why he was the Man of the Match. As Davis noted, “Goals win games, and Salah creates and scores them like no other.”

Field Tilt and Tactical Mastery

Liverpool’s tactical execution was equally praiseworthy. According to Barter, the Reds enjoyed a 65% field tilt, illustrating their dominance in the attacking third. This translated into 22 shots to West Ham’s seven, with Liverpool achieving a remarkable 3.2 xG (expected goals) compared to West Ham’s meagre 0.4.

The team’s approach was methodical. As Barter explained, Liverpool played high defensive lines in the first half, targeting West Ham’s fullbacks. “When we win the ball,” he elaborated, “we play it wide into Cody or Mo, who then find Diaz or Gakpo in the box.” In the second half, Liverpool adapted to a counterattacking style, ensuring their lead remained unassailable.

Slot’s Tactical Evolution

The discussion highlighted the tactical depth Arne Slot has brought to Liverpool. “This is a side of Slot I didn’t expect to see at this stage,” Barter admitted. Liverpool’s defensive organisation was impeccable, conceding only five penalty box touches before entering “garbage time,” a testament to their structure and discipline.

Slot’s philosophy was also evident in midfield. Alexis Mac Allister’s pivotal role as a deep-lying playmaker stood out. “Mac Allister created nearly 11% of our team’s total threat,” Barter revealed, emphasising his ability to keep Liverpool’s engine ticking.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s resounding 5-0 victory against West Ham showcased not just individual brilliance but a collective tactical masterclass under Arne Slot. From Salah’s unstoppable form to the midfield control of Mac Allister and the defensive organisation, every component clicked seamlessly.

As Liverpool prepares for upcoming fixtures, the insights from Phil Barter and Dave Davis serve as a reminder of the team’s extraordinary capabilities. With Mo Salah in imperious form and a system designed to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses, Liverpool is firmly on course for another remarkable season.

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