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It is now appropriate to commence assessing Alexander Isak fairly as a £125 million Anfield centre forward, Arne Slot stated on the weekend. In that case, the assessment should be critical, but as the UK's highest-priced player sat next to Mohamed Salah on the Liverpool substitutes while the Premier League champions attempted unsuccessfully to force an leveler versus their rivals in their absence, it was not Slot’s misfiring attack that warranted the harshest criticism at the stadium. His backline structure has evaporated.

Quiet Display from Key Attackers

Indeed, Isak was predominantly unnoticeable in the No 9 position and the Egyptian winger subpar once more as his difficulties continued versus the team he typically scores against. The Sweden player had his first attempt on goal in the top division as a Reds member in the first half, excellently denied by the opposition's latest goalkeeper the young keeper. The forward squandered a excellent second-half opportunity facing the home end and neither complain when their substitution were shown. The Dutch attacker also struck the woodwork three times and inexplicably failed to score a another goal shortly after Harry Maguire’s decisive goal.

Unthinkable Loss Despite Chances

It seemed impossible for the hosts to lose a match in which they created so many chances, Slot stated. But it is not impossible with a defence in such condition, as one opponent, another rival and now United have shown.

Backline Breakdown Under Scrutiny

While overseeing a fourth successive defeat as the club's manager, the first man to achieve this after Brendan Rodgers in years past, Slot must have despaired at a defensive performance that invited United to take the initiative as well as their first victory at Anfield in nearly a decade. Filled with the identical errors that Liverpool’s coaching staff had worked on solving following the pause, featuring yet another set-piece score, it was a display that completely undermined the champions’ second half recovery and cost them the match.

Momentum Squandered Even with Improvement

Momentum was finally with the hosts when Gakpo cancelled out the forward's early breakthrough. Liverpool could feel one more last-minute victory with replacements one attacker, Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa igniting improvement and the opposition in defensive mode. Instead, it was a further late top-flight loss, the third in succession, after Liverpool’s dead-ball weaknesses resurfaced and the defender found himself among several United players free past the centre-back in the closing stages.

Organized Rivals Outperform

A thumping goal into the net that Maguire missed in the final moments of last season’s 2-2 draw gave the United manager the best victory of his turbulent club tenure. For all the criticism around the coach it was his squad that played with clear purpose and a smartly implemented plan for the bulk of a thrilling contest. The initial back-to-back Premier League wins of the manager's time in charge were the result. The Liverpool side once more looked like unfamiliar at points, particularly when conceding a set-piece score for the fifth occasion in the division this season.

Quick Opener Exposes Defensive Flaws

The home side were found wanting from the start to the finish of Mbeumo’s quick-fire first goal. There was no purchase on the first attempt from the captain, a likely result of having to go through opponents to connect with the pass, admittedly, and no pressure on the playmaker when he took possession and released the winger in open area on the right flank. the defender was slow to respond, Van Dijk delayed to track back and follow the forward's run while Giorgi Mamardashvili, deputising for the unavailable Alisson in goal, was easily beaten from the angle.

Officiating and Concentration Questions

The manager could justifiably point to his decisions and ask where the foul was from Michael Oliver, an referee with whom he has a feisty past, but also doubt the focus and coordination levels his backline. The forward's strike means Slot’s team have managed only two shutouts in a dozen games this season, the last occurring many matches previously at another ground.

Repeated Exploitation of Left Flank

United exposed the left flank repeatedly in a first half in which Fernandes, another player and also Gakpo all came close to increasing the visitors’ lead. Sending Diallo early versus Kerkez was clearly in the manager's gameplan. It worked time and again in the opening half. The £40m summer signing from his former club experienced another difficult match in a club shirt. Set-pieces were also a issue for the previous player's replacement, who almost put Mbeumo through while making one interception. The defender and the captain seem on not in sync at the moment.

Manager’s Explanation and Acknowledgment

“Our approach involves a lot of risks,” Slot explained after United’s win. “Following the second half we had multiple attacking members on the field. That’s maybe why our organization for the set-piece was less organized as we typically are. Normally we would have additional defensive players on the field. Perhaps it is a fluke but it is not an excuse. The team understands we have to improve.”