Liverpool s defense has exposed weaknesses, and if you want to defend the title, you can t play like this again

Premier League defending champion Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 4-2 in the first round of the new season. Despite a good start, the team's defensive problems remained fully exposed. Although Slott's new tactical system has initially achieved results, it still shows many unstable factors when facing opponents.

The problem on the defensive end

Liverpool still has full firepower on the offensive end, showing rich offensive means and efficient cooperation, creating many scoring opportunities. However, defensive issues are particularly prominent. Similar to the Community Shield, Liverpool's defense frequently has huge gaps, especially when facing Bournemouth, Anthony Semenho easily broke through the defense line composed of Van Dijk and Connate, and drove straight into 60 meters to score, highlighting the major loopholes in Liverpool's defensive system.

Although the new high-pressing tactics help to quickly put pressure on the frontcourt, if the opponent successfully breaks through the first line of defense, it is easy to use the space behind him to counterattack. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberger was absent due to a suspension, which made the midfielder lack an experienced "anchor" to protect the defense. Sobosley was placed further back, but he didn't seem to be adapting to the role and might take more time to adapt or find a more suitable support program.

New Agents performed unevenly

New Agent Ekitic continued to prove that he was a signing for great value. After his outstanding performance in the Community Shield, he shines again against Bournemouth, scoring a goal and showing outstanding personal abilities. However, the performance of another new player Milos Korkez was not satisfactory. The 21-year-old Hungarian defender was targeted by his opponent many times, and he received a yellow card for a foul. He eventually had to be replaced by Andy Robertson, showing that it was not just a matter of personal status, but a weak link in the entire tactical system.

Despite many problems on the defensive end, Liverpool's strong offensive ability has become a key turning point in the game. Salah was active in this game, not only actively participating in the offensive organization, but also personally scored a goal to lock in the victory. It was his outstanding performance that helped the team get out of the predicament.

Despite winning the game, this victory is more like a result of performance at critical moments than a full suppression. Facing Bournemouth, who is not as strong as himself, Liverpool still exposed many problems that need to be solved. If you want to defend your title successfully, these defensive flaws must be improved as soon as possible.

coach Slot knew this well: the new tactical system takes time to run in, but the competition in the Premier League is extremely fierce and too many mistakes are not allowed. In addition to technical and tactical improvements, the team also needs to overcome psychological challenges - especially the blow to the loss of teammate Diogo Jota.

Although Liverpool have not yet reached the stability and control of the peak of last season, they are still winning - this is the most critical factor in the transition period. With Gravenberg coming soon, new players such as Ekitic gradually integrated and further polishing the new system, Anfield still has reason to remain optimistic. However, in the fiercely competitive Premier League, hope alone is not enough; Slot needs to transform this hope into a team that is both beautiful and solid, and avoid loopholes on the defensive end to become a fatal injury in the sprint stage at the end of the season.