In a remarkable twist of footballing fate, Liverpool and Arsenal have seemingly swapped identities this season, with the Reds now facing accusations of being 'boring' in a stark role reversal. Where once Mikel Arteta's side was criticised for caution, it is now Arne Slot's Liverpool being scrutinised for a pragmatic style prioritising solidity over spectacle.
The Unlikely Accusation: Boring, Boring Liverpool?
The label is one that jars with the club's heritage and the manager's philosophy. Arne Slot conceded it was "hard to hear" but did not completely disagree with the assessment following a drab 0-0 draw with Leeds and a sluggish first half at Fulham. This from a coach who built his reputation on attacking, front-foot football in the Netherlands.
The contrast with last season is stark. Liverpool romped to the title while Arsenal finished a distant second. Now, as of Wednesday 7 January 2026, the Gunners sit a massive 14 points clear of Liverpool, a gap that could extend to 17. Arsenal, ironically, have shed their defensive image, scoring in 26 consecutive matches since that August meeting.
Where Did the Plan Go Wrong?
The roots of Liverpool's current conundrum can be traced to last summer's transfer business. The day after beating Arsenal, they completed the signing of Alexander Isak, aiming to build a devastating 'Fab Four' attack with Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and Hugo Ekitike.
Yet the dream has malfunctioned. Isak and Wirtz have managed just two Premier League goals and one assist each this campaign. Injuries have ravaged the plan: Isak is now sidelined, Ekitike is a doubt, and Salah is at the Africa Cup of Nations. The quartet have never started a match together.
Consequently, a team that scored 86 league goals last term is now on course for a paltry 61. Slot has repeatedly lamented facing deep defensive blocks and a failure to convert set-pieces, problems all too familiar to the Anfield faithful.
A Midfield Compromise and a Search for Balance
Following a disastrous run of nine defeats in 12 games, Slot has steadied the ship with a nine-match unbeaten streak. This newfound resilience has come with a different tactical shape, often featuring four natural central midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
"Packing the team with midfielders is not something I am doing by choice," Slot insisted, blaming player unavailability. He stressed his lifelong preference for a 4-3-3 with "real wingers." However, the statistics reveal a team struggling for cutting edge; after 20 games, six sides had created more big chances than Liverpool.
The manager argues the perception is a misconception. "I agree that steadying the ship was the first thing... but I didn't do that to try and play defensive football," he said. "We always press high... and try to create as many chances as we can."
The ultimate challenge for Slot is clear. He must translate his off-pitch philosophy into on-pitch performances, finding a balance between the necessary pragmatism that stopped the rot and the attacking verve required to justify his appointment and satisfy the Anfield crowd. The questions about style now surround Liverpool, and only results with flair will silence them.
