Liverpool drew 3-3 with Leeds United at Elland Road.
Leading 2-0 and then 3-2 in the 80th minute, Liverpool were still pegged back to 3-3 by Leeds in the 90+6th minute; the Gakpo–Endo decision, the 4-5-1 formation, and Konate's error highlighted their goal difference of -8 compared to Arsenal's +6.
A 90+6 minute blow wiped out all advantage. Leading 2-0 at the start of the second half and then regaining the 3-2 lead in the 80th minute, Liverpool still only left Elland Road with a 3-3 draw against Leeds United. That breathtaking scenario exposed three core problems under manager Arne Slot: game management, individual errors, and weakness in set pieces.
Similar to the previous two matches, Liverpool deliberately slowed down the pace and adopted a passive ball control strategy, rather than maintaining high pressure. This approach helped them take the lead but at the cost of creativity and the ability to react to unforeseen circumstances. When mistakes occurred, they had no way back.
90+6th minute: Punishment for dropping deep.
In the fiery atmosphere at Elland Road, Liverpool's defensive approach towards the end of the match made them easy targets for relentless attacks. Ao Tanaka's equalizer in the 90+6th minute was a consequence of The Kop conceding control of the game, instead of continuing to control and stifle their opponents' momentum.
Controversial substitution: from pressure to a 4-5-1 formation.
The decision to substitute Cody Gakpo – a striker who was applying good pressure – and bring in Wataru Endo, switching to a 4-5-1 formation, was expected to strengthen the midfield. In reality, it inadvertently empowered Leeds United. The home team, spurred on by the crowd, sensed Liverpool's fearful retreat and pushed their own lines higher.
As a result, Liverpool couldn't retain possession, couldn't counter-attack, and could only huddle together and defend. With the pressure mounting, conceding a goal in injury time became a predictable outcome.
Individual error: Ibrahima Konate and the penalty in the 73rd minute.
Manager Arne Slot is responsible for the overall picture, but individual errors have ruined the plan. Ibrahima Konate continued the slump with an unsafe play that led to a penalty converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 73rd minute. Moments like these have repeated themselves enough times that they can no longer be considered isolated incidents.
With Joe Gomez now recovered from injury, the question of who will partner Virgil van Dijk has become urgent. A starting spot cannot be guaranteed if his form continues to be lackluster.
Dead ball: the numbers don't lie.
Including the decisive goal conceded against Leeds, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals from set pieces in the Premier League, while only scoring 2 on the other end. Their goal difference is currently -8.
| Team | Dead ball difference |
|---|---|
| Liverpool | -8 |
| Arsenal | +6 |
| Difference | 14 |
A difference of 14 goals from set pieces alone is enough to decide the outcome of an entire season. If Aaron Briggs is in charge of this area, then these numbers are the clearest warning sign.
Arne Slot's problem
The 3-3 draw at Elland Road was a wake-up call. From their approach to the game, the late substitutions, the dip in form of key defenders, to their set-piece defense, everything is holding Liverpool back.
If Slot retains his job despite recent poor form, it's likely due to broader responsibilities within the coaching staff – particularly in the set-piece area overseen by Aaron Briggs. But time is running out. Liverpool need decisive and effective adjustments immediately, otherwise the season will spiral far off track.
