I’ve watched Arsenal a few times this season and, to be honest, the contrast is uncomfortable. They look organised, well-drilled and ready to go for the jugular when they sense weakness. That’s exactly the sort of side you don’t want to face when you’re still trying to find your own rhythm.

Going there and expecting anything is brave at the moment. A point would be a proper result, and it would take us playing well to earn it. The worry for me is we haven’t looked like that for a while. Since that Madrid game, it’s felt flatter, slower, and a bit too easy for opponents to play through us at times. Not catastrophic every minute, just… not right.

Arsenal look like they know who they are

Whatever you think of them, Arsenal have a clear identity. They’re tidy, they’re compact, and they move the ball with purpose. You can see patterns, you can see a plan, and you can see the players buying into it. That’s why I can’t shake the feeling they’ll either beat us or, at the very least, take something without having to play out of their skin.

And away from home, if we’re not at it, these games can get away from you quickly. One goal conceded, heads drop, the crowd senses it, and suddenly you’re chasing shadows. That’s the “minimum a point for them” vibe I’m getting, unless we find a level we haven’t shown in recent weeks.

Fulham aren’t Wolves, Sunderland or Leeds

Fulham deserve a bit more respect than they sometimes get. They’re solid, they make you work, and they’ll give most sides a game. I’m expecting them to score against us, and I don’t even think it’s a wild statement to say they could beat us if we turn up half-ready.

This isn’t about writing Liverpool off, it’s just reading what’s in front of us. Fulham can be awkward, physical when they need to be, and if we leave gaps in transition or fail to win second balls, you’re asking for trouble. They’re a better test than those “nice warm-up” fixtures people like to compare things to.

The bigger issue: fitness, coaching, and where Salah fits

The common thread for me is that too many teams look fitter than us and, frankly, better coached in how they go after opponents. Not just sitting in. They press with intent, they attack space, and they look confident in what they’re doing off the ball. We look like we’re thinking about it.

That’s why I’m at the point of saying I’d take two points from the next two games right now. It’s not where Liverpool should be aiming, but it’s where we feel we are.

And there’s another part I can’t ignore: it feels like Salah has been thrown under the bus. Whether it’s role, shape, or the messages coming from the touchline, it doesn’t look like we’re setting our best attacker up to hurt teams. Even if the manager tried to revert to Klopp-style ideas overnight, I’m not sure that fixes the trust that’s already been lost.

Written by Magico1234: 12 January 2026

Tags: efl tactics injury