Mac Allister’s Role in Burn’s Goal Raises Tactical Concerns | OneFootball

Mac Allister’s Role in Burn’s Goal Raises Tactical Concerns | OneFootball

Icon: Anfield Index

Anfield Index

·17 mars 2025

Mac Allister’s Role in Burn’s Goal Raises Tactical Concerns

Image de l'article :Mac Allister’s Role in Burn’s Goal Raises Tactical Concerns

Slot’s Tactical Approach Questioned After Burn’s Decisive Header

Liverpool’s quest for silverware faltered at Wembley, as Newcastle edged out a 2-1 victory in the Carabao Cup Final. It was a night of frustration for Arne Slot’s side, who struggled to carve open a disciplined and well-drilled Newcastle team.

Dan Burn’s towering header just before half-time swung momentum in Eddie Howe’s favour, and Alexander Isak’s early second-half strike put Newcastle firmly in control. Federico Chiesa’s late effort offered Liverpool a glimmer of hope, but Newcastle’s defensive resilience saw them over the line.


Vidéos OneFootball


Burn’s Aerial Dominance Proves Costly

Of all the moments that defined the contest, Burn’s header was the one that left Liverpool fans questioning their defensive setup. The towering defender, standing at 6ft 6in, rose unchallenged to power home past Caoimhin Kelleher. The question quickly followed: why was Alexis Mac Allister, a midfielder not known for his aerial prowess, tasked with marking Burn?

Slot was quizzed on the decision post-match and was quick to defend his system.

“I can explain. We play zonal,” he stated, offering insight into Liverpool’s defensive structure.

“We always have five players zonally close to our goal. If the ball falls there, there is always one of the stronger five players to attack that ball.”

Mac Allister’s Role Under Scrutiny

The tactical setup left many puzzled, given Burn’s clear advantage in the air. Slot elaborated further, detailing why Mac Allister found himself in that position.

Image de l'article :Mac Allister’s Role in Burn’s Goal Raises Tactical Concerns

Photo: IMAGO

“We have three players that man mark. Macca is one of them.”

“Normally a player like Burn runs to the zone because normally, I think he is an exception.”

While zonal marking has long been a divisive strategy in football, this particular matchup appeared a mismatch from the outset. Burn’s goal not only shifted the balance of the game but also raised fresh concerns over Liverpool’s set-piece defending.

Slot Acknowledges the Unusual Nature of Burn’s Goal

Slot, to his credit, acknowledged the sheer force and precision of Burn’s header.

“I have never in my life seen a player from that far away heading a ball with so much force into the far corner.”

Newcastle’s tactical discipline ensured they executed their game plan to perfection, as Slot admitted.

“It was a game that went exactly how they wanted it to go. They got, just before half-time, extra energy from the goal.”

“Which they probably deserved. They were threatening us more than we were threatening them. I don’t think there was more ‘hunger’ for them.”

“The game went the way they wanted it to go.”

For Liverpool, it was a lesson in execution, control, and, crucially, set-piece organisation. The road ahead will demand swift adaptation from Slot’s side, particularly if they are to avoid similar pitfalls in their hunt for silverware.

À propos de Publisher