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Liverpool Fans Express Frustration

In recent weeks, Liverpool supporters have had ample reasons to express their discontent. Early in the match against Aston Villa, Morgan Rogers hit the post, prompting one frustrated fan to shout, 'Where’s the midfield?' This question encapsulated the team's struggles.

Midfield Trio Shines in Victory

By the end of the match, the answer to that question became clear. Liverpool's midfield, featuring Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, regained control, leading the team to a much-needed 2-0 victory. This win was as relieving as it was essential for the squad.

The trio, pivotal in last season's title run, had faced disruptions due to injuries and rotation this year. However, on this chilly evening at Anfield, they found their rhythm again. Gravenberch, who had missed several matches, impressed and received accolades from Steven Gerrard. Mac Allister, gradually returning to full fitness after a challenging pre-season, completed the full 90 minutes and appeared revitalized. Szoboszlai, arguably the standout player of the season, excelled in his natural midfield position after previously filling in at right-back.

Florian Wirtz's Continued Bench Role

Despite the midfield's success, it came at a cost for others. Florian Wirtz, one of Liverpool's key summer signings, found himself on the bench for the fourth time in a major league match, following similar exclusions against Everton, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Manager Arne Slot's loyalty to the trio that secured silverware last season continues to shape his lineup decisions.

The starting XI against Villa closely resembled the one that triumphed in the Premier League months ago. Aside from goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has made a strong impression since his arrival, and summer signing Hugo Ekitike, no new players were included in the starting lineup. The £450 million summer investment has so far resulted in only one new addition to Slot's preferred formation, with Ekitike stepping into the role previously held by Luis Díaz and the late Diogo Jota.

Challenges with High-Profile Signings

This situation has raised concerns regarding Liverpool's high-profile signings. Wirtz's ongoing absence and Alexander Isak's injury have hindered their integration into the starting team. Even when Isak recovers from his groin injury, Slot may opt to keep the £125 million player on the bench for upcoming matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City, prioritizing caution.

Restoring Team Balance

For Slot, the victory against Villa was not about star players or hefty transfer fees; it was about restoring balance within the team. After suffering six defeats in seven matches, there were calls for change. Instead of abandoning his footballing principles, Slot chose to simplify the approach. His strategy of 'going back to basics' focused on rebuilding the core that had previously succeeded.

This process began with the full-backs. Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined due to injury, and even when fit, he doesn't seem to have Slot's full trust. Andy Robertson made his first league start of the season, providing stability on the left side—solid but not spectacular. On the right, Conor Bradley delivered his best performance to date, effectively supporting the controlled midfield behind him.

Defensive Discipline and Teamwork

Virgil van Dijk commended the team's collective defensive discipline, emphasizing what Liverpool had been missing in recent weeks. 'Everyone was fighting hard—from the front line to the goalkeeper,' he remarked. Slot echoed this sentiment, highlighting teamwork and structure as the key themes of the night.

The 2-0 victory over Villa could signify a turning point—a reminder of Liverpool's potential when familiarity breeds confidence. However, there remains a cautious undertone. In Jurgen Klopp's tenure two seasons ago, similar moments often appeared to be revivals that quickly faded. Slot's challenge now is to ensure that this resurgence is sustained.

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