Liverpool began the new Premier League season with a convincing away victory over promoted Ipswich Town, delivering a start that left the 12B Sports match analyst thoroughly impressed. Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah scored one goal each, while a clean sheet completed an ideal opening under Arne Slot. The changes were immediately visible. Liverpool controlled possession more deliberately, defended with greater stability, and looked far less likely to suffer the kind of collapse that once turned a lead into a painful defeat.

Jota’s goal perfectly illustrated Slot’s tactical thinking. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna assigned Massimo Luongo to closely track Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s main source of build-up play. With Alexander-Arnold receiving very little of the ball, Liverpool managed only three first-half shots, none on target, and recorded an expected goals figure of just 0.11.

Slot responded decisively at halftime by replacing Jarell Quansah with Ibrahima Konate. The change was not simply a judgment on Quansah’s performance. It showed that Slot had identified the structural problem and was prepared to correct it immediately. Liverpool’s centre-backs then spread wider, with Konate moving toward the touchline during attacking phases.

According to a 12B Sports tactical review, Liverpool used short passes on the left to draw Ipswich’s defence across before suddenly switching play to Alexander-Arnold on the right. Luongo, comfortable throughout the first half, was suddenly forced to monitor two players at once and quickly lost control of the situation.

Konate noticed the pressure around Alexander-Arnold and passed to Ryan Gravenberch, who moved the ball to Salah. Salah then recycled possession instead of forcing the attack, proving that saving time often begins with using it wisely. Luongo’s confused movement eventually left Alexander-Arnold in open space, and the Liverpool defender made full use of the opportunity.

With time to lift his head, Alexander-Arnold produced the kind of pass normally associated with an elite number 10. His low through ball split the Ipswich defence, allowing Salah to accelerate beyond Leif Davis. Salah delivered a first-time cross, and Jota finished with his left foot. The move was polished, efficient, and likely to become a familiar feature of Slot’s Liverpool.

This approach differs clearly from Jurgen Klopp’s previous systems. In Klopp’s first major version, Jordan Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, and Salah formed a right-sided triangle similar to the Martin Odegaard, Ben White, and Bukayo Saka combination at Arsenal. Later, Liverpool often relied on Alexander-Arnold’s long passing to release Salah into space behind the defence.

Slot’s team appears more committed to short passing along the ground, quick first touches, and rapid combinations. However, this was only the opening match against a newly promoted opponent, so it would be premature to draw firm conclusions. The real test will come away to Manchester United in the third round, where Gravenberch’s ability to control the deeper midfield role will be under far greater pressure. The proof will be in the pudding.

Supporters who backed Wataru Endo throughout last season may have found the match disappointing. He remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes and was not given an opportunity to enter the game. With Liverpool unable to complete the widely reported signing of Martin Zubimendi, Slot may have no choice but to rely on the midfielders already available.

For now, the Alexis Mac Allister and Gravenberch partnership looks balanced enough, but stronger opponents may still expose spaces through the middle. It would therefore be wiser to assess whether this double pivot is the long-term answer only after the Manchester United match.

For the 12B Sports match analyst, the most encouraging sight was Salah’s return to sharp form after struggling near the end of last season. The summer break appears to have restored his speed, movement, and confidence. He created Jota’s opener before scoring himself, completing a performance that suggested Liverpool’s most reliable attacker may be ready to thrive again under a new manager.