Liverpool’s 2024–25 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. As of February 12, 2025, the team sits atop the Premier League and has secured a spot in the EFL Cup final. However, their journey was marred by a surprising FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle. This article delves into Liverpool’s recent form, analyzing their performances post-FA Cup elimination and assessing the implications for their campaign.
FA Cup Setback: A Shock Exit
On February 9, 2025, Liverpool faced Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round. Despite being overwhelming favorites, the Reds suffered a 1-0 defeat, courtesy of a 53rd-minute penalty by Ryan Hardie. Manager Arne Slot made ten changes to the starting lineup, a decision that drew criticism as the team lacked cohesion and failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Slot later acknowledged the misjudgment, stating, “I underestimated the impact of changing so many players.”
Premier League Dominance: Maintaining Momentum
Despite the FA Cup disappointment, Liverpool’s league form has been exemplary. Prior to the cup exit, they secured a 2-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth on February 1, 2025. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo ensured a comfortable win, highlighting the team’s attacking prowess.
In the aftermath of the FA Cup loss, Liverpool’s focus shifted back to the Premier League. The upcoming Merseyside Derby against Everton on February 12, 2025, presents an opportunity for redemption. Slot emphasized the need for a strong response, stating that the FA Cup defeat was “not acceptable” and urging his players to exhibit “cool heads but not cool legs” in the derby.
EFL Cup Progression: A Silver Lining
Liverpool’s cup ambitions remain alive in the EFL Cup. On February 6, 2025, they overturned a first-leg deficit against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals. A commanding 4-0 victory at Anfield, with goals from Gakpo, Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk, secured their place in the final against Newcastle United on March 16, 2025.
Tactical Adjustments Under Arne Slot
Since taking over in May 2024, Arne Slot has implemented tactical changes to enhance Liverpool’s performance. Transitioning from Jürgen Klopp’s traditional 4-3-3, Slot has introduced a dynamic 4-1-5 formation that fluidly shifts during gameplay. This approach involves strategic runs by full-backs and deep midfielders to break opposition offside traps, creating space for forwards like Salah and Luis Díaz. The midfield rotation system conserves energy while maintaining pressure, with players like Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister taking turns to push forward.
Player Performances: Standouts and Areas of Concern
Mohamed Salah continues to be a pivotal figure, leading the Premier League scoring charts with 21 goals and contributing 13 assists. His consistent output has been instrumental in Liverpool’s title charge.
Defensively, the team has shown resilience, with Van Dijk’s leadership proving invaluable. However, the FA Cup loss exposed vulnerabilities, particularly when key players are rested. Slot’s decision to rotate heavily against Plymouth backfired, highlighting the need for depth and readiness among squad players.
Looking Ahead: Key Fixtures and Objectives
Liverpool’s immediate focus is the Merseyside Derby, a fixture that carries significant emotional and competitive weight. Following that, they face Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in the league before a crucial clash with Manchester City on February 23, 2025. Maintaining momentum in these fixtures is vital for their title aspirations.
The EFL Cup final against Newcastle offers a tangible opportunity for silverware. Balancing league commitments with cup preparations will test Slot’s managerial acumen and the squad’s depth.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s season has been characterized by impressive league form, a promising EFL Cup run, and a surprising FA Cup exit. The defeat to Plymouth serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of squad rotation and underestimating opponents. However, the team’s resilience and tactical evolution under Slot position them well for the challenges ahead. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in defining their season’s success.
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