Despite Liverpool beginning to rediscover the habit of winning, the pressure surrounding head coach Arne Slot has not entirely disappeared. Recent results may have brought a degree of calm, but concerns over performance levels and sustainability continue to follow the Dutchman as the season progresses.
Liverpool returned from London last weekend with three valuable points after edging Tottenham Hotspur 2–1. On paper, it was a crucial victory that extended their unbeaten run. On the pitch, however, the contest told a more complicated story, one that has fueled debate among analysts and supporters alike.
Spurs arguably looked the more threatening side for long spells, even though they were reduced to 10 men in the first half following a red card shown to Xavi Simons. Liverpool struggled to impose themselves, and their inability to take full control despite the numerical advantage raised further questions about their overall direction under Slot.
A Shift in Style, but at a Cost
In recent weeks, Liverpool have adopted a noticeably more cautious and defensive approach. While this has coincided with improved results, it has also come at the expense of their attacking fluency. The numbers underline that concern: across their last six matches, Liverpool have generated just 5.8 expected goals (xG) from open play — a figure well below what supporters have come to expect from a traditionally aggressive side.
This tactical adjustment has divided opinion. Some argue that stabilising the defence was a necessary first step after a turbulent run earlier in the season. Others worry that the lack of attacking cohesion could prove costly once fortune stops favouring them.
David Lynch Raises the Alarm
Liverpool analyst David Lynch believes luck has played a significant role in Liverpool’s recent upturn and warns that the current approach may not hold up in the long term.
“The pressure will really arrive when results turn against them and they’re still playing like this,” Lynch told Sports Mole.
He pointed to a series of pivotal moments that have gone Liverpool’s way. “A penalty against Inter, the red card against Tottenham at a crucial moment — these things are benefiting them right now. When that stops happening, can this style of football still deliver results? Is it sustainable? I don’t think so.”
Lynch also stressed that aesthetics matter once results begin to dry up. “Liverpool are playing football that isn’t particularly enjoyable to watch, but that’s being tolerated because they’re winning. As soon as the wins stop, Slot will lose a lot of goodwill, and that’s the real concern.”
Tottenham Match Highlights Ongoing Issues
The victory over Tottenham encapsulated many of those worries. Spurs were eventually reduced to nine men late on after Cristian Romero received a second yellow card. Even then, Liverpool found it difficult to relieve pressure, spending prolonged periods pinned back inside their own defensive third.
For a side playing against a depleted opponent, the lack of control was striking. It reinforced the idea that Liverpool’s recent success is built more on resilience and circumstance than dominance.
Results Offer Breathing Space
Still, results cannot be ignored. The win in North London extended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to six matches, four of which have ended in victory. That run has eased some of the immediate tension surrounding Slot, particularly after a damaging sequence earlier in the campaign that saw the Reds lose nine of 12 matches across all competitions.
Lynch acknowledges that, in the race for a top-four finish, outcomes ultimately matter most. “If Slot keeps getting results, if Liverpool finish in the top four, if they go deep in competitions, then you have to say that’s fair,” he explained.
From a managerial perspective, the logic is understandable. “A coach will think that if confidence is built through a stronger defensive base and winning matches, then this is the way forward. Later on, those shackles can be loosened.”
A Familiar Pattern Emerging
However, uncertainty remains about where this trajectory is heading. Lynch compared the current situation to the start of the season, when Liverpool also collected points despite unconvincing performances.
“It’s very difficult to know where this is going,” he said. “It feels similar to the early part of the season, when the results were good but the performances weren’t.”
Liverpool won their opening five Premier League games, yet underlying issues eventually surfaced. Supporters are now hoping that the current unbeaten run does not prove to be another false dawn.
Florian Wirtz Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Amid the struggles against Tottenham, one bright spot emerged in the form of Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker registered an assist for Alexander Isak and was among Liverpool’s most influential players on the night.
Wirtz’s performances have been trending upward in recent weeks, suggesting he is finally adapting to his new surroundings. Lynch believes his growing influence could be pivotal to Liverpool’s season.
“That assist felt like it had been coming,” Lynch said. “He’s becoming more influential, and Liverpool are starting to understand where he wants the ball.”
He added, “I’ve been really encouraged by his recent performances. From the early games, it was clear he needed time to adapt, and now we’re seeing that process take shape.”
A Potential Cornerstone for Slot’s Project
Lynch went further, suggesting Wirtz could become central to Slot’s long-term plans. “If he keeps improving, he can almost carry Liverpool’s attacking play on his own. He’s going to be a player Slot relies on heavily. The main idea is that he could become the jewel of this team over the next few years.”
If Wirtz continues to deliver in the final third, Liverpool’s chances of maintaining their unbeaten run — and easing the pressure on Slot — remain very much alive. Yet until performances begin to match results, doubts will linger.
For now, Liverpool are winning again. Whether that will be enough to secure lasting faith in Arne Slot remains one of the defining questions of their season.
ALSO READ :
