Liverpool vs Brighton:
Conclusions drawn from the game regarding Liverpool:
In possession:
Lack of hold-up quality when Ekitike and Salah don’t play up top in the 4-2-2-2/4-3-1-2 minimises their ability to make use of the 10s who are narrow. This prevents them being able to attack quickly against disorganised defences as well as pin teams in. Lack of wide threat at times given short turnaround time and onus on Frimpong and Kerkez to play two-ways. When Frimpong off, sub not made with right side width in mind.
Out of possession:
4-1-2-1-2 press questionable, partly because of the big distances, partly because players ability to execute, partly because Brighton’s ability to play through, partly because less crowd intensity compared to Gala game.
Big distances to jump for CMs to opposition FBs as one of the CMs jump to opposite 6. Two strikers look to lock off opposition CBs. GK free man.
One question mark around Gravenberch / Liverpool’s 6 in this diamond. Very deep and almost an extra defender at times. Diamond stretched.
Gravenberch (6) having to fill into back line when Frimpong pulled out or has to apply pressure on the right flank (as sole width). Space to exploit infront of defence and behind Frimpong as a result.
Liverpool’s 4-3-1-2 narrow centrally which makes them susceptible to being attacked down flanks. Wide CM slower to get out and apply pressure. This lead to space for Brighton to play crosses unopposed which lead to Brighton’s two goals.
Transcribing game live below & themes:
Liverpool going long + converging on the ball with narrow 10s behind them:
12.47.28 → Long ball to Ekitike and good close support to get up the pitch. 12.50.48 → Konate long and chance in the box 12.54.00 → Frimpong dangerous position. Good linkup with Wirtz on the right side. Chance missed. 12.56.43 → Long ball down flank then switch, after drawing bodies short for Liverpool. 13:33:00 → Frimpong good down the flank → Konate long / direct. 13.55.45 — Wirtz down middle following long ball. 12.55.55 → Wirtz narrow with Jones, good chance, through ball for Gakpo. 1300.00 → Chance through the centre for Liverpool. Liverpool too narrow, Brighton switches, crosses:
Easier for Brighton to double up on wide areas.
12.58.58 → Goal conceded. 13.01.33 → Liverpool underloaded in the wide areas due to 4-3-1-2 formation 13.05.05 → Overload to isolate Brighton switch. Great Brighton cance. 13.15.35 → Brighton finding space out wide whenLiverpool slow to get out. 13.21.10 → Space in the wide areas. 13:30:30 → Big chance for Brighton 13:31:00 → No pressure on the ball and Brighton cross to back post. 14.02.00 — goal. No pressure on the ball.
In possession: 14.21.10 — Jones in CB. No one on the right.
Brighton direct, playing into spaces:
14.14.50 — Brighton long ball and in 14.16.00 — Long ball and in
Liverpool chances + Frimpong 1v1 quality:
13.05.50 → Frimpong RW, Szoboszlai support and cross. 13.14.49 → Long ball, Dunk mistake, Kerkez goal. 13.27.18 → Brilliant Frimpong 1v1 and big chance, Dunk nearly OG. 13:33:00 → Frimpong good down the flank → Konate long / direct.
12.55.55 → Wirtz narrow with Jones, good chance, through ball for Gakpo. 1300.00 → Central chance.
Yankuba Minteh: Impressive two ways – both in attack and defensive tracking Frimpong 13.55.30 → Defends well 13.58.00 → Good. wins duel against Frimpong 14.06.20 → Minteh strong 1v1. 14.06.45 → including Frimpong complaining about lack of cover. 14.14.00 → Minteh 1v1 chance but saved. 14.16.02 → Minteh wins corner.
Liverpool’s struggles in their pressing and off-ball shape: 13.20.45 → Liverpool’s questionable press. Big distances for the 4-3-1-2. Long ball into Welbeck 13.33.00 → Frimpong pushing up to press on the flank and Grav having to become RB in back four. LB for Brighton running off him in that position. Chance. 13.23.50 → big CM jump for Liverpool. 14.06.20 → slow to jump out and space central. Konate having to come across and cover for Frimpong out of possession 14.32.00 → Baleba turns and drives through diamond Liverpool midfield. Liverpool’s diamond midfield in the press has poor spacing.
Chances for Brighton: Including pressure on ball out wide for Liverpool: 13:30:30 → Big chance 13:31:00 → No pressure on ball and cross to back post. 13.54.00 — wide convergence before Brighton can find space centrally BTL. Look at position of 6? 13.58.20 — big shot from central absence (Konate cover, MacA slow to come back, Frimpong bypassed and lacking support)
Umir Irfan.