The echoes of last season`s Premier League triumph under the tactical stewardship of Arne Slot are still fresh in the memory. A glorious debut campaign saw the Dutchman lauded for his innovative approach, securing a title that felt both deserved and, in retrospect, perhaps a little too easy. Fast forward to the fledgling stages of the 2025/26 season, however, and the narrative has taken an intriguing, if somewhat unsettling, turn. A recent defeat to Crystal Palace has peeled back the layers, revealing a Liverpool side that, despite its proven pedigree, appears to be grappling with a nascent tactical imbalance and some surprisingly muted individual performances.
The Selhurst Park Stumble: A Wake-Up Call?
The journey to Selhurst Park proved to be a challenging one. Slot, ever the strategist, deployed a tactical surprise that, unfortunately, failed to yield the desired dividends. The first half saw Liverpool uncharacteristically “ragdolled,” a term seldom associated with the champions, struggling to assert their dominance. While a late surge, capped by Federico Chiesa’s dramatic goal from the bench, hinted at a familiar comeback, Eddie Nketiah`s eleventh-hour strike sealed Liverpool`s first league loss of the term. This wasn`t merely a defeat; it felt like a statement – a prompt for introspection at Anfield.
Conor Bradley`s Gauntlet: Stepping into Titan`s Boots
Right-back has become a rather animated topic on Merseyside this summer. With Trent Alexander-Arnold having reportedly departed for Real Madrid, the weighty mantle fell to young Conor Bradley. Bradley, a talent who has previously shone in the Premier League, has contended with injuries during Slot`s tenure. His recent outing against Palace, following a more commendable performance against Jack Grealish in the Merseyside derby, was unfortunately a stark reminder of the immense pressure on a burgeoning talent. Hooked at half-time, his statistical contribution painted a clear picture: a struggle with dribbles, multiple turnovers, and a significant proportion of ground duels lost. Yet, it`s worth noting that even the most promising of prospects can appear overwhelmed when flanked by defensive errors (Ibrahima Konate`s sloppy display) and an uncharacteristically quiet attacking presence.
Mohamed Salah: The Fading Pharaoh or Tactical Misfit?
Perhaps the most poignant talking point centers on Mohamed Salah. For years, the 33-year-old Egyptian has been Liverpool`s talisman, a consistent force of nature in the Premier League. His legendary status is undeniable, having spearheaded Liverpool`s title charge in the 2024/25 campaign. However, the current season has seen a noticeable dip. While his three goals and three assists are not insignificant, the characteristic “swagger and gusto” appear to be somewhat diminished. Against Palace, Salah was notably anonymous, missing a key chance and failing to win any of his five ground duels. More broadly, collected metrics from Sofascore comparing his 24/25 and 25/26 seasons reveal a discernible regression across key attacking and engagement statistics.
The analysis suggests that this isn`t merely a blip; it could be symptomatic of a tactical evolution. Salah`s current role, with a greater emphasis on “hugging the touchline” and creating space for a “reformed number nine squad,” seems to be leaving the veteran forward toiling. While tactical adjustments are often necessary, ensuring your most potent weapon remains effective within a new system is paramount. The Liverpool Echo’s blunt 4/10 rating, noting his struggle with basics and non-existent defensive cover for Bradley, highlights the broader systemic issues.
Salah`s Premier League Performance: A Snapshot of Change
| Salah in the Premier League for Slot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Match Stats (* per game) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
| Matches (starts) | 38 (38) | 6 (6) |
| Goals | 29 | 2 |
| Assists | 18 | 2 |
| Touches* | 49.1 | 43.2 |
| Shots (on target)* | 3.4 (1.6) | 1.7 (0.8) |
| Accurate passes* | 22.4 (74%) | 21.0 (75%) |
| Key passes* | 2.4 | 1.3 |
| Dribbles* | 1.5 | 0.2 |
| Ball recoveries* | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| Tackles* | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Duels won* | 3.3 | 1.7 |
| Data via Sofascore | ||
Chiesa`s Resurgence: A Call for Opportunity
In stark contrast to Salah`s struggles, Federico Chiesa is enjoying a quiet resurgence. The Italy international, despite a peripheral role, has amassed two goals and two assists across all competitions. His impact as a substitute, particularly against Palace, has been undeniable, showcasing a player returning to his elite form. Analyst Josh Williams` assertion that Chiesa “should`ve started today” resonates deeply within this context. Liverpool, a team often lauded for its dynamism, risks becoming stagnant and predictable if it relies too heavily on past glories and less on current form. The £150k-per-week ace, with his renewed vigor, certainly makes a compelling case for a regular starting berth.
Arne Slot`s Dilemma: Loyalty vs. Dynamism
The early season presents Arne Slot with a classic managerial conundrum: how to balance loyalty to established stars and previous successes with the urgent need for tactical adaptability and fresh impetus. Mohamed Salah remains a Liverpool great, and his continued influence over the season is hardly in doubt. However, his consistent presence in every Premier League minute since August`s opening whistle, despite performances that haven`t consistently warranted it, raises questions about squad rotation and meritocracy. In football, particularly at the elite level, stagnation can be a silent killer. The challenge for Slot now is to meticulously analyze the “underlying data” and perhaps, with a touch of brave tactical foresight, inject more of Chiesa`s current bright spark into the starting lineup. The season is long, but these initial bumps in the road are often the forge in which true championship mettle is tested, demanding bold decisions that prioritize collective dynamism over individual sentiment.
