Liverpool's Control Under Arne Slot; Madueke's Hat-Trick Sparks Chelsea's Surge

Less Chaos, More Control for Liverpool

In a stunning showcase of football tactics, Liverpool recently triumphed over Brentford with a decisive 2-0 victory, marking a significant shift in their approach under new head coach Arne Slot. Jamie Carragher aptly remarked, "That's a Klopp goal" as Luis Diaz netted a brilliant opener following a lightning-fast counter-attack. However, the victory was not just about speed; it highlighted a new tactical nuance revolving around control.

Shifting Tactics: From Directness to Control

Throughout the match, Liverpool displayed a commanding performance, dominating possession with 63% and boasting an impressive 92% pass completion rate—the highest since records began in the 2003/04 season. As Alexis Mac Allister noted, the team must adapt to a patient approach rather than relying solely on direct play. This deliberate strategy is reflective of Slot's methodology aimed at enhancing control on the pitch.

Madueke Makes His Mark on Chelsea

In another match, Noni Madueke made waves at Molineux Stadium despite facing a hostile crowd. His performance in the second half was electrifying, showcasing his talent with a rapid-fire hat-trick in just 14 minutes. Enzo Maresca's halftime adjustments focused on improving accuracy, and Madueke’s response solidified his position within the team. Maresca expressed his confidence in Madueke, highlighting him as pivotal to their game plan.

The Pantomime Villain

Madueke played into the role of a pantomime villain, riling up fans while simultaneously proving his worth to Chelsea. With Deadline Day approaching, he made it clear that he intends to be an integral part of the squad, irrespective of rumors suggesting an exit. His performance has undoubtedly put speculation to rest.

Bournemouth Left Pondering VAR Decisions

Bournemouth found themselves engulfed in controversy during their clash against Newcastle as a last-minute goal by Dango Ouattara was disallowed following a VAR review. The disallowed goal sparked frustration, especially after the referee initially awarded it. With Bournemouth's coach Andoni Iraola expressing dissatisfaction over the decision, debates continued regarding the interpretation of the handball rule.

Understanding Handball

The incident raised pertinent questions on the definition of handball, particularly concerning the point of contact on Ouattara’s arm. As per the FA's Laws of the Game, the upper boundary of the arm is aligned with the bottom of the armpit, yet critiques of the decision continue as fans and players seek clarity.

Wolves: Finding Positives Amidst a Heavy Defeat

Despite suffering a staggering 6-2 defeat, Wolves displayed resilience and spirit throughout the match against Chelsea. Manager Gary O'Neil acknowledged their commendable efforts, especially during the first half when they rallied back and leveled the score after a shaky start. Matheus Cunha emerged as a standout player, reflecting the potential within the squad even amidst disappointment.

Building on the Bright Spots

Next Steps for Wolves: Moving forward, Wolves must harness these positives and continue building their momentum. Striker Cunha and debutante Jorgen Strand Larsen provided hope, showcasing talent that could reforge the team’s direction in the coming matches.

Brentford Needs Stability Beyond Toney's Absence

Ivan Toney’s absence has stirred conversations at Brentford, though manager Thomas Frank insists it is not the primary challenge faced by the club. The focus instead lies on the continued unavailability of first-choice full-backs Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry, hampering tactical effectiveness.

The Full-Back Dilemma

With Kristoffer Ajer filling in at left-back, Brentford's struggles are compounded as positioning errors led to crucial goals against them, indicating a need for tactical recalibration once the full-backs return. Frank’s challenge will be ensuring that Brentford remains competitive as they seek solutions for the gaps in their lineup.