Arne Slot's Arsenal Blueprint: Three Game-Changing Tactics That Could Seal Victory

Prior to any matches being played this campaign, Liverpool's visit to Arsenal was anticipated as a potential new-year championship battle, but that scenario no longer applies to Arne Slot's title holders.

Liverpool's significant decline has completely removed them from championship contention, while simultaneously watching last season's second-place finishers overtake them and claim the top position. Fourteen points currently divide these teams ahead of Thursday's Premier League encounter, though truthfully, the distance has appeared far greater throughout this campaign.

Liverpool's nine-game undefeated streak has reduced the pressure on Slot at Anfield, yet displays continue to be erratic and unconvincing. Even wins have exposed defensive weaknesses, and stalemates against Leeds United (on two occasions), Sunderland, and Fulham demonstrate how much ground the Reds must still recover.

A journey to Arsenal, who have suffered only two defeats this season and remain unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium, represents the worst possible timing for Liverpool, particularly with injuries and unavailable players mounting. Nevertheless, after their £446 million summer investment, the champions will be anticipated to mount some resistance at minimum—and possibly even surprise Arsenal.

Here are three objectives Slot must accomplish to provide Liverpool with the best opportunity for an unexpected triumph.

Replicate Game Plan From Inter Triumph

Valid criticism has been directed toward Slot for uninspiring offensive displays against Leeds and Fulham. The Dutch manager embraced pragmatism and stability over creativity and innovation to address Liverpool's catastrophic autumn, but a shift toward more attacking tactics becomes essential in upcoming fixtures. However, Thursday is not the occasion to adopt an aggressive approach.

Liverpool already possess a proven strategy for handling away matches against well-structured European powerhouses featuring talented squads. While few would consider Inter as formidable as Arsenal this season, they hadn't suffered defeat at San Siro in European competition for over three years before Liverpool's tight 1–0 victory there in the Champions League last month.

Slot chose a cautious approach in Milan and it delivered results. The contest was mostly uneventful with limited moments of genuine excitement, but that's precisely what the Liverpool manager wanted. The Reds, who have been terrible defensively this term, deployed a compact 4-4-2 diamond formation, restricting space for their opponents and congesting central zones. For the most part, it neutralized game-changers like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella.

While Liverpool will likely employ a compact 4-2-3-1 against Arsenal rather than the diamond, the strategy must remain identical. Joe Gomez would be a wise choice at right back (if sufficiently healthy) to further strengthen the defense, while utilizing Florian Wirtz in a wide position and four natural central midfielders elsewhere—Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch—will assist the Reds in containing Arsenal.

The Gunners have occasionally struggled against defensive blocks this season and Liverpool must deny them the space they prefer to exploit. Then they require a moment of brilliance going forward, which won't be simple to achieve given Arsenal's defensive solidity.

Practice, Practice, Practice Set Pieces

Liverpool's set-piece difficulties have been concerning this season. The Reds have allowed a total of 12 non-penalty goals in the Premier League—their highest in a season since 2015–16—and have even separated from set-piece coach Aaron Briggs as they frantically try to resolve an issue being exploited consistently.

Actually, 43% of goals Liverpool have conceded in the league this season have originated from set pieces (excluding penalties) and Slot will be experiencing restless nights leading up to the match against the division's dead-ball specialists.

Arsenal have netted 12 goals from non-penalty set pieces this season and have recently been strengthened by the return of their primary threat Gabriel. The center back has found the net in his previous two matches and will relish the opportunity to face a Liverpool side who seem unable to properly handle corners, long throws and indirect free kicks.

While more easily stated than accomplished in such a brief timeframe, Liverpool simply must enhance their defensive approach from dead balls before kickoff at the Emirates. Rehearsing such situations will be among Slot's highest priorities during training this week.

Feed Florian Wirtz Throughout

Liverpool's struggles in the attacking third were only magnified by Hugo Ekitiké's absence on Sunday. Slot was without his dynamic Frenchman for the journey to Craven Cottage and the striker's contribution was desperately needed as the Reds failed to generate high-quality chances. Regrettably, Ekitiké might be unavailable again at Arsenal.

Without their productive striker, Liverpool must rely on their next most dangerous attacking option: Florian Wirtz. The German has overcome a sluggish beginning to his English career and is starting to display his potential and ability, with a weekend goal bringing his total to three goal contributions in his past four appearances.

Only Szoboszlai has generated more opportunities for Liverpool in the Premier League this season than Wirtz, who will be crucial to damaging Arsenal on counter-attacks. He doesn't possess the blazing pace of Ekitiké or the injured Alexander Isak, but his passing and link-up play can liberate teammates.

Liverpool will be eager to have Ekitiké ready on Thursday with alternatives so limited in Slot's attacking line, but it's Wirtz they must supply regardless. With Liverpool depending on a single moment of brilliance at the Emirates, it's the Germany international who can deliver it.