Liverpool Falls Below Elite Standard Under Slot

Despite a 5-2 victory over West Ham, Arne Slot's Liverpool remains below the club's elite standard according to underlying metrics. The win was built on efficiency rather than domination, with an xG of just 1.75 against West Ham's 1.84.

Liverpool has shifted from a continental, fluid style to a more pragmatic approach after teams exploited their lack of defensive midfield. The team now relies heavily on set-pieces (9 since January), raising questions about the £450m summer rebuild that was supposed to enhance creativity rather than dead-ball effectiveness.