What the performance against Eintracht Frankfurt means for Liverpool going forward

As Liverpool broke their torrid run of four consecutive defeats with a 5-1 thrashing of the German side, here is how they can build on this result.
Eintracht Frankfurt v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3
Eintracht Frankfurt v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 | Christian Kaspar-Bartke/GettyImages

The full-time whistle was met with an outpouring of cheers among the travelling Kop, but it was the steely expression of Arne Slot that suggested any rumours of a crisis were wide of the mark.

His demeanour was reflected by skipper Virgil van Dijk, who headed in Liverpool’s second goal, as he congratulated his teammates on what seemed like a routine victory.

In reality, the emphatic defeat of Frankfurt was the perfect tonic for the champions, who have faced more criticism than ever in their short reign – this was a win that silenced the outside noise.

Slot vindicated in his changes

It was important that the Dutchman got his team selection right against Frankfurt, as he confronts his toughest assignment yet as Liverpool manager.

Alexander Isak was joined up top by his strike partner Hugo Ekitike for the first time, but it was the latter who enjoyed a happy homecoming against his former side.

Ekitike showed his composure as he was played through by Andy Robertson to fire his effort past Michael Zetterer to equalise for the Reds.

Hugo Ekitike
Eintracht Frankfurt v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 | Alex Grimm/GettyImages

He relishes the opportunity to shine in a Liverpool shirt and constantly proves to be a thorn in the side of defenders, while Isak finds his feet in this side.

Vice captain Andy Robertson was an inspired choice as the Scotland captain offered some much-needed stability in the left back position.

Curtis Jones also looked comfortable on the ball in the absence of the injured Ryan Gravenberch, and Conor Bradley was a livewire after replacing Jeremie Frimpong in the first half.

Liverpool’s discipline rewarded

After a chaotic first five minutes before trailing the game against the run of play courtesy of a Rasmus Kristensen finish, feelings of déjà vu were amongst the Reds yet again.  

But for the first time this season, Slot’s side put on an exhibition of how to control a football match, suffocating the home side in their own half as they probed for a breakthrough.

The German side had conceded 10 goals in their last three games, and their lack of cohesion, not too dissimilar from that of the visitors, offered ample evidence that Liverpool need not panic.

Virgil van Dijk, Michael Zetterer
Eintracht Frankfurt v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 | Alex Grimm/GettyImages

Three goals were scored in the space of nine minutes just before half-time as the latter two goals came from brilliant set pieces converted by centre-back pairing Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool simply resumed the second half as they meant to go on, dominating possession and rarely offering Frankfurt the opportunity to go forward.

Slot will quietly be beaming with pride that his side was able to see off the opposition for the first time in what seems like an age, and he must build on this.

Respite for Wirtz in the face of adversity

Florian Wirtz, like many big name signings, has fallen victim to harsh scrutiny among pundits and social media alike.

Ridiculed for his barren spell of goals and assists, the German playmaker finally broke his duck upon registering two assists tonight.

Florian Wirtz, Nathaniel Brown
Eintracht Frankfurt v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 | Alex Grimm/GettyImages

While they were relatively simple for a player of his calibre, the impact he was making with the space afforded on the pitch makes him a strong contender to start against Brentford on Saturday.

His ability to create openings while taking on multiple defenders at once bodes well for Liverpool’s potent attacking personnel.

Reds look to become consistent in calm rather than chaos

A run of six straight victories followed by four straight defeats may spell a crisis to some, but for many, it spoke to the consistency of how Liverpool were managing games, for better or worse.

Their attacking fluidity always spelled danger for the opposition, who quickly established a weakened midfield and an inexperienced full-back pairing.

Liverpool being so easy to get at meant that Slot often had to change his tactics in a drastic manner, such as those used against Chelsea and Manchester United.

Cody Gakpo, Andrew Robertson, Federico Chiesa
Eintracht Frankfurt v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 | Alex Grimm/GettyImages

Not only did this make his side more vulnerable, but it hampered their efforts going forward.

However, more controlled displays, such as the one on Wednesday night, mean that the team can develop as a unit and gel as a team instead of individuals trying to force the issue.

Ultimately, Liverpool have taken a huge step towards normalcy, and it is up to Slot and the players to carry on this momentum.