Another game, another dramatic late winner. For fans, it`s the thrilling signature of a champion, a testament to resilience and unwavering belief. For the analyst, however, it’s increasingly becoming a blinking red light, signaling that these heroic escapes might just be masking a deeper, more troubling narrative. Liverpool are winning, yes, but how long can they keep `getting away with this` before the magic runs out?
The Unstoppable Force Meets the Immovable Problem
This season has seen Liverpool rack up an enviable record, yet a closer look reveals a recurring pattern: relinquishing comfortable leads and inviting unnecessary pressure. Against an Atletico Madrid side that, for much of the game, seemed intent on testing the structural integrity of their own defense rather than Liverpool’s, the Reds once again found themselves in a situation of their own making. Despite early dominance and a two-goal lead, they allowed an “underpowered” Atletico attack to not just find a foothold, but to truly believe they could snatch something from Anfield.
Diego Simeone`s current iteration of Atletico lacks the ironclad defensive discipline of his legendary teams, the kind that could repel assaults from even the most fearsome attackers with almost mechanical precision. Yet, even this less-than-stellar Atletico outfit found joy and space, particularly in the channels behind Liverpool`s adventurous full-backs and through a midfield that sometimes appears more focused on creation than demolition. It`s a testament to Liverpool`s attacking prowess that they still found a way to win, but it`s also a stark indictment of their defensive structure that such heroics were needed at all.
A Tactical Tightrope Walk
The tactical setup, while brilliant in its offensive potential, seems to be the root cause of these defensive anxieties. The current double pivot in midfield, featuring talents like Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, offers creativity and forward thrust in abundance. What it sometimes lacks, crucially, is a dedicated “destroyer” – that player whose primary instinct is to break up play, screen the defense, and relentlessly hunt down opposition threats. Without such a presence, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate find themselves exposed to a greater degree than they perhaps should, particularly when opponents transition quickly.
Furthermore, the license given to the full-backs, epitomized by Jeremie Frimpong`s attacking drives or even the experienced Robertson pushing high, is a double-edged sword. While it creates width and overloads in attack, it invariably leaves significant pockets of space behind them. As Atletico demonstrated, even without a world-beating attack, a quick release into these areas can create immediate danger. Marcos Llorente`s goal, a familiar ghost from Anfield`s past, served as a painful reminder of how easily those spaces can be exploited.
The Psychological Paradox: Belief vs. Blueprint
There`s no denying the psychological boost that comes with these last-gasp victories. For Liverpool, it reinforces a champion`s mentality, a belief that they can always find a way. The roar of The Kop as the net ripples in injury time is an intoxicating force. However, this belief comes with an unspoken caveat: it might also be providing opponents with a tactical blueprint, not just a morale boost.
“We found a way,” Virgil van Dijk commented after a recent late winner. Indeed. But the manner in which teams are `finding a way` back into games against Liverpool should give pause for thought.
Opponents are learning that while Liverpool`s attack is formidable, their defense offers opportunities. If Atletico Madrid, initially hesitant, could open up and create chances, what might happen when teams with truly elite attacking talents like Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martinez, or Kylian Mbappe decide to exploit these well-worn defensive pathways? The thought alone should be enough to prompt some serious introspection.
Time to Address the Elephant in the Room
Liverpool`s perfect start has bought them time – a luxury few teams are afforded in the cutthroat world of elite football. Five wins from five is a magnificent achievement, providing a cushion for potential tactical adjustments and player development. However, this luxury is finite. The current pattern, where exhilarating attacking football is consistently offset by moments of defensive vulnerability, is not sustainable against the very best. It`s a tightrope walk where the margin for error shrinks with every passing week.
The challenge now for the coaching staff is to reinforce the defensive foundations without sacrificing the thrilling, high-octane attacking philosophy that defines this team. Otherwise, these `late winners` will cease to be celebratory hallmarks of resilience and instead become desperate remedies for self-inflicted wounds. The question isn`t whether Liverpool can keep winning this way, but whether they can afford to keep *needing* to.
