“Salah’s Bold Statement & Midfield Masterclass: 5 Shocking Takeaways from Man United 0-3 Liverpool”

It was an immensely satisfying victory at Old Trafford and a notable moment early in Arne Slot’s tenure, as Liverpool secured their third consecutive win with no goals conceded.

Man United 0-3 Liverpool
Premier League (3), Old Trafford
September 1, 2024

Goals: Diaz 35’ 42’, Salah 56’

Mo Salah the genius 

Liverpool have always valued Salah as a goalscorer. He’s currently fifth on the club’s all-time top-scorers list and could potentially move into the top three by the time he departs. Since joining in 2017, he’s been the top scorer every season.

However, Salah’s game encompasses more than just scoring, as demonstrated against United.

His two assists set the stage for Liverpool’s success—first with a precise cross from his weaker right foot to Luis Diaz at the far post, and second with a well-placed pass through a tight space to Diaz, who finished expertly with a first-time shot.

Diaz shone brightly, earning the Man of the Match accolade from Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, boosting his confidence, but Salah orchestrated this triumph.

Salah’s comprehensive performance was compelling, and he seemed genuinely content on the field.

For added impact, he scored the third goal, reflecting Liverpool’s dominance and capping his impressive display with a 9.2 rating on FotMob.

Nonetheless, Salah’s post-match comments about his contract situation may shift some focus away from the win, as he admitted this might be his “last season at the club” as things stand.

Double pivot dynamic

Liverpool’s midfield setup in front of the back four has been a major topic of discussion all summer, but it has so far worked well as the season began.

Ryan Gravenberch is one of the two midfielders in that area, frequently positioning himself advanced at Old Trafford.

Although Gravenberch is filling in the No. 6 role after the club didn’t sign a player for that position during the transfer window, it’s more of a double pivot arrangement (potentially a 4-2-3-1).

Alexis Mac Allister contributed to the midfield cleanup before the second goal, reclaiming possession and advancing the ball after Diaz outmuscled Casemiro.

The full-backs also play a role in this setup. Andy Robertson often remains at left-back instead of advancing, maintaining a compact shape and guarding against counter-attacks.

Trent Alexander-Arnold joins the midfield during buildup, allowing Gravenberch to move up alongside Dominic Szoboszlai, while Mac Allister creates from the left.

Mac Allister struggled defensively as a lone No. 6 under Klopp, but this setup, with Gravenberch and Robertson around him, mitigates that issue.

Challenges may arise against stronger opposition and as the season progresses, but early signs are positive.

Arne Slot’s first statement victory

Arne Slot’s Liverpool delivered a resounding defeat to Erik ten Hag’s Man United. ‘Ten Hag’s at the wheel’ was chanted by the traveling Liverpool fans.

This was exemplified in the first half by Casemiro’s difficulties against Liverpool’s vigorous press, and even though the Brazilian was substituted at halftime, it made little difference.

There were boos at Old Trafford following Liverpool’s third goal with ten minutes remaining in the second half.

The away fans were enjoying themselves, marking a significant win for Slot early in his Liverpool tenure.

Matches against United are not always straightforward, regardless of current form.

Liverpool have performed well at Old Trafford before but failed to win, including in last season’s FA Cup.

This was a controlled, decisive victory that left United reeling and ensured nothing was left to chance.

Content Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold’s reaction to being substituted in Liverpool’s previous game against Brentford drew considerable attention.

With his contract ending this season and the surrounding narrative, his clear disappointment and dissatisfaction with being substituted, despite Liverpool’s 2-0 win, was concerning.

Despite this, Slot substituted him again against United, but the reaction was different.

Trent initially seemed indifferent as he walked off, but he soon smiled as the Liverpool fans cheered him. He then shared hugs with Conor Bradley and Slot, contrasting sharply with his previous reaction.

He smiled for most of the rest of the match and blew kisses to Liverpool fans at the end. This was a more promising sign of both good man management from Slot and a positive attitude from the player despite last week’s disappointment.

Competing with Man City at the top

After just three games into the new season, an international break is already here.

While an early break can be disruptive, there will be satisfaction in the Liverpool camp after this successful run, marking the start of a new era.

The tactical plan is taking shape on the field, and the results have followed.

Even at this early stage, Liverpool are the only team to match Man City’s perfect start.

Slot’s transition from Jurgen Klopp, a club legend, could have been more challenging, but he has met expectations and matched Man City’s performance.

Liverpool’s next three league games after the international break are against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Wolves.