Jan Molby looks back at Liverpool’s performances against Arsenal and Brighton

In the latest episode of the Molby On The Spot podcast, former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby joined host Trev Downey to dissect Liverpool’s recent performances against Arsenal in the Premier League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup. With incisive reflections on player form, tactical decisions and the resilience of Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, Molby provided insightful commentary that underlined the club’s potential and highlighted the depth and determination of his side.

In the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2–2 draw against Arsenal, Molby praised the team’s composure and tactical adaptability, especially in defense where they were under immense pressure. “If you can’t see it in recent years, maybe you’re not looking, or you’re looking through rose-colored glasses,” Molby noted, assessing the challenges Liverpool have faced defensively, especially on the left. rear position. Referring to Andrew Robertson, he pointed out the signs of his advancing age: “Robbo had some problems… he didn’t recover,” Molby said, noting that while Robertson’s “determination” and experience remain invaluable, age has hampered his recovery somewhat has hindered.

For Molby, Liverpool’s resilience against Arsenal was emblematic of their wider tactical shift under Slot. As the match ended in a draw, he acknowledged the team’s resilience in maintaining the competitive intensity against Arsenal, one of the top contenders in the competition. Downey and Molby discussed Jamie Carragher’s assessment, with Molby agreeing that Liverpool would need “adds” to challenge consistently, especially as Robertson’s physical demands increase. Still, Molby saw many positives in the match against Arsenal as Liverpool stayed “as close to the top as we can.”

Molby’s analysis focused sharply on Liverpool’s 3-2 cup win over Brighton, a match that showcased the squad’s depth and hinted at the potential of emerging players. He expressed his admiration for the younger talents who performed against a resilient Brighton side, highlighting the impact of “good, well-organised loans” in developing young players such as Yaros and Tyler Morton. Molby praised the role of the loan system in promoting the confidence and skills of Liverpool’s youth players, saying: “They play with the swagger of boys who have done well because they have a lot of football under their belt.”

The win in Brighton was an exciting showcase of Liverpool’s attacking prowess, with young players showing grit and precision. According to Molby, despite their injury problems, Brighton posed a formidable challenge, which made Liverpool’s victory all the more impressive. Molby noted that Brighton’s style encouraged Liverpool to adopt a more fluid, attacking approach, eventually seeing them break down Brighton’s defense in an exciting finish.

Looking ahead, Molby and Downey discussed how Liverpool’s squad could hold up under the twin challenges of the Premier League and European competition. Downey wondered whether the left side of the defence, a continuing area of ​​concern, needed strengthening to maintain Liverpool’s ambitions. Molby agreed, thinking of Kostas Tsimikas as a back-up to Robertson: “His deliveries and dead balls are fantastic,” Molby noted, although he wondered whether Tsimikas was “the guy we want there” in the long term “.

In midfield, Molby noted that while Ryan Gravenberch is “still not that guy” in a holding role, his performance against Brighton showed versatility and promise. Molby hinted that Liverpool’s January transfer plans could be limited, predicting the club would likely wait until the summer to pursue major reinforcements: “I just don’t think we’re going to sign anyone in January… I think they have bigger players.” plans,” he said, pointing to Liverpool’s long-term squad development strategy.

Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool Molby’s tactical evolution continues to intrigue. While the team’s high-intensity style under former manager Jurgen Klopp often relied on overwhelming opponents with ruthless energy, Slot’s approach has led to a more controlled aggression. Molby acknowledged this shift, noting that Liverpool now have the ability to “control games without the ball” and noted: “We controlled the game (against Chelsea) even though we let Chelsea have the ball.”

Despite concerns over squad size and possible injuries, Molby remains optimistic about Liverpool’s title chances, especially if they can maintain their defensive stability and continue to develop key positions. As he put it: “All we have to do… is keep doing what we’re doing,” highlighting that Molby believes Liverpool are well placed to challenge for top honors this season, provided they “get everyone fit can hold” and make strategic additions to their defense.

The Molby On The Spot episode is an insightful look at Liverpool’s strengths, challenges and ambitions under Arne Slot. With more exciting matches to come, including another clash with Brighton and key Champions League battles, fans can expect further twists and turns in Liverpool’s quest for silverware, backed by both experience and promising new talent.