Trent Alexander-Arnold has often faced criticism over his defensive skills, but this season he’s shown his ability to handle some of the Premier League’s most skilled wingers. His recent performance against Brighton was a prime example, proving that he has the discipline and tactical awareness to hold his ground effectively on Liverpool’s right side.
Brighton came to Anfield hoping to capitalize on Liverpool’s right flank, where 32-year-old Mo Salah frequently steps in as Alexander-Arnold’s defensive support, particularly against Pervis Estupinan and Kaoru Mitoma. Manager Fabian Hurzeler set up his team to play a high line and dominate possession, which looked promising in the first half. However, despite their intentions, Brighton couldn’t break through Alexander-Arnold’s defense as he remained disciplined and focused throughout his duel with Mitoma.
Mitoma, who famously wrote a thesis on dribbling, found himself largely kept at bay by Alexander-Arnold. According to statistics from FotMob, he managed to complete only three of his eight attempted dribbles during the match. This frustration was evident, as Alexander-Arnold’s resilience and well-timed tackles thwarted Mitoma repeatedly.
A graphic from WhoScored illustrates how frequently Brighton tried to press Liverpool’s right side. Despite this pressure, Alexander-Arnold remained fully committed to his task, reminiscent of his previous performance against Arsenal, where he also delivered a highly focused and controlled display. Against Brighton, he completed an impressive eight out of nine tackles, more than any other player on the field. Although Mitoma managed to dribble past him on three occasions, Alexander-Arnold kept the winger limited in terms of real scoring opportunities, allowing just two shots. One of these was blocked in close quarters, while the other went wide of the goal.
Though Alexander-Arnold’s defending was superb in this match, his typically strong passing game was less consistent than usual. His passing accuracy was below his normal standard, at 65 percent (30 out of 46 passes completed). Yet, he continued to push forward, taking risks with his passing as per manager Arne Slot’s style, and managed to play 17 passes into the final third—seven more than the next best Liverpool player, Virgil van Dijk.
A noticeable shift in Liverpool’s performance came after halftime, which has been a recurring trend this season. While Slot’s ability to adapt tactically during games is commendable, a stronger start would undoubtedly benefit Liverpool in future matches. After their win, Slot commented on this shift in the second half, noting, “ changed a bit of tactics but that had nothing to do with ball possession, that had nothing to do with us coming out stronger in the second half. It all had to do that the players showed a different attitude and different intensity.”
Instead of drastic changes in tactics, Slot’s halftime adjustments seem to focus on improving player mindset and energy levels. He described his approach as calm, emphasizing communication rather than intense criticism: “I wasn’t screaming or fuming around. It’s just making sure the players understand that this was not enough, and I think they felt it themselves as well.”
Stats from FotMob clearly show how Liverpool’s intensity ramped up in the second half. They doubled their tackle count, completed four times as many interceptions, and won eight more duels compared to the first half. FotMob’s momentum graphic further illustrates Liverpool’s surge in energy and effectiveness post-halftime.
While Liverpool didn’t entirely dominate the second half, they made their moments of pressure count. Cody Gakpo’s cross that ended up in the net and Salah’s stunning left-footed goal provided Liverpool with the edge they needed. Following these quick goals, Liverpool opted to sit back defensively, supported by a solid performance from Joe Gomez, and successfully held their lead to secure victory.
With this win, Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League, two points clear of Manchester City and five ahead of Arsenal. Alexander-Arnold’s growth as a more well-rounded defender has played a significant part in Liverpool’s success so far this season. His ability to blend defensive grit with offensive creativity makes him a crucial player in Liverpool’s title ambitions, as they continue to adapt and improve in every game.
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