Results Matter, But So Does How You Play

I’ve watched loads of Premier League games this season outside of ours, and it’s hard not to feel a bit sick seeing other sides play with freedom while still needing points. You can’t tell me results “don’t matter” for them just because they’re brave enough to have a go.

That’s the bit that really grates. The line that “only results matter now” gets thrown around like it’s some grown-up truth we all have to accept. But if that’s the case, why do teams down the table still try to play? Why do they still press, still break with intent, still take risks in possession? Do people genuinely think Nottingham Forest didn’t want a result against Manchester City, even while putting in a performance? Of course they did. They just didn’t approach it like frightened tourists.

When Liverpool look jumpy, it’s not just “negativity”

The frustration isn’t about demanding 4-0 every week or pretending the league is easy. It’s about looking at a Liverpool side that, not long ago, felt relentless, and then watching us get twitchy at the first sign of pressure.

Set pieces are the obvious example. There’s a difference between respecting a threat and looking like you’re bracing for disaster. When the whole ground starts holding its breath at every corner, that’s not supporters being “irrational”. That’s supporters reacting to a pattern they’ve seen too often.

And the worst thing is it doesn’t feel like a talent issue. It feels like a mindset one. We’ve got enough good footballers to control games more calmly than this.

“We’re getting results” isn’t a complete argument

Truth is, results are the currency. Nobody’s denying that. But it can’t be the only thing you’re allowed to talk about, especially when performances are leaving you cold.

There’s also this strange idea that you have to choose: either play well or win. That’s never been true. The best Liverpool sides in modern times were brilliant because they married the two. Intensity with control. Front-foot football with proper organisation. You didn’t feel like one mistake would undo the lot.

So when someone says “stop moaning, we’re winning”, it doesn’t answer the real question: does this look like the best version of this group under Arne Slot? Because it doesn’t always feel that way.

Demanding more doesn’t mean demanding a sacking

None of this automatically means “manager out”. You can be unhappy with the direction of travel and still think the answer is improvement, not upheaval.

Even if we’re talking hypotheticals like winning the title, that doesn’t erase the need to look like Liverpool while doing it. I’m not asking for perfection. I’m asking to stop looking scared of our own shadows, and start playing like a team that believes in itself again.

Written by OliRed: 4 January 2026