In a stark reversal of fortunes, the narrative surrounding Liverpool and Arsenal has flipped. Last season's champions are now facing accusations of playing dull, pragmatic football, a tag once aimed at their rivals.
From 'Fab Four' to Functional Midfield
The vision for Liverpool under Arne Slot was one of attacking flair. The summer signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle, following a 1-0 win over Arsenal in August 2025, promised a formidable forward line. The idea of a 'Fab Four' featuring Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Mohamed Salah sparked excitement.
Yet, the reality has been starkly different. Isak has managed just two Premier League goals and one assist, and is now injured. Wirtz has similarly underwhelmed with two goals and one assist. Salah is at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Ekitike is a doubt. The quartet have never started a match together.
Consequently, Liverpool's goal output has plummeted. From 86 league goals last season, they are currently on track for just 61. Their recent 0-0 draw with Leeds and a tepid first half against Fulham have highlighted their creative struggles.
Slot's Defence and Pragmatic Shift
Faced with a dismal run of nine defeats in 12 games, Slot has steadied the ship with a nine-match unbeaten streak. This has come with a more solid, midfield-heavy approach. For the trip to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday 08 January 2026, his hand is forced, likely fielding four central midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Slot, however, vehemently rejects the 'boring' label. "I find it really hard to hear," he said. "I want to win as many trophies as I can, but I think I am also known for the fact that my teams always try to play attacking football." He attributes the shift to necessity, not choice, citing injuries and unavailable players.
"Packing the team with midfielders is not something I am doing by choice," Slot insisted, pointing out his long-standing preference for a 4-3-3 system with traditional wingers.
The Statistical Reality and Arteta's Contrast
The numbers present a mixed picture. After 20 games, six teams had created more big chances than Liverpool, though only two had attempted more shots. Slot argues opponents have changed, setting up with low blocks and five-at-the-back systems, as Fulham did.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, once criticised for caution, have scored in 26 consecutive matches and average nearly three goals per game in the Champions League. The champions-elect hold a commanding 14-point lead over Liverpool.
Slot maintains his philosophy remains unchanged. "My football is Liverpool v Paris Saint-Germain. That is how I would love to have every single game, but you need to have two teams to have an open game of football," he stated.
The questions over style, however, now firmly surround Anfield. As Slot searches for the right balance, the clash with a free-scoring Arsenal poses the ultimate test of whether his methods can yield results while restoring Liverpool's attacking identity.
