Tactical Analysis: A look at how Liverpool handled Brentford

A brief tactical analysis of the Reds 2-0 win over Brentford at Anfield, and what it may mean for the future at Liverpool.

Liverpool FC v Brentford FC - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Brentford FC - Premier League | Michael Regan/GettyImages

With his second official Premier League game completed, we can start to see Arne Slot's tactical vision formulating.

The build up play is considerably calculated, not taking too many risks and slowly working it around until an opportunity arises.

The two midfield pivots rotate between going up and staying back, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch filling those roles wonderfully so far.

There have already been several unique set piece tactics used, and the element of inconsistency in the plays makes the Reds significantly less predictable.

The first goal of the game came from a wonderfully placed through ball from Diogo Jota to Luis Diaz in the 12th minute of the match.

Mads Roerslev, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota
Liverpool FC v Brentford FC - Premier League | Michael Regan/GettyImages

A well-composed finished from Diaz helped to set the tone early and maintain control of the game for the Reds. The play itself came from a counter-attack, which caught the Brentford defenders completely off guard as Jota and Diaz flew by them into their own half.

The second goal came from another wonderful through ball, except this time to star winger Mohamed Salah, who tucked the ball into the bottom left corner with such finesse. Salah is sure to be a key piece to the puzzle in determining the Reds attacking lineup and formation under Slot.

Expect to see much more of this slow build up play until an opportunity for a counter-attack develops, utilizing two central midfielders in a 4-2-3-1.

It's a change from the usual gegenpressing we have become accustomed to over the years but this style is clearly effective and it had Brentford running at air on several occasions.

Slot has an interesting use for his fullbacks as they tend to close in on the middle as opposed to staying out wide and high as former manager Jurgen Klopp used to play.

Conor Bradley, Fabio Carvalho
Liverpool FC v Brentford FC - Premier League | Michael Regan/GettyImages

This allows for the fullbacks to connect to the midfielders more effectively, and create devastating link ups to the strikers. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both linked with the attack very well and this interchangeability could be a gamechanger going forward.

One of the biggest changes to the lineup for today's game was the continued inclusion of Gravenberch in the starting lineup.

While still relatively young and untested in terms of first team starts for the Reds, he played some very fluid football, linking up with Salah several times and making very few mistakes throughout his time on the pitch.

We will certainly be seeing more of him on the pitch as Slot looks to provide opportunities to his fellow countryman.