Arne Slot’s tactical evolution at Liverpool took a significant step forward with a 2-0 victory over West Ham that suggested the post-Salah era may have already begun. The Dutch manager’s decision to bench his biggest star and revert to the 4-2-3-1 system he favored at Feyenoord produced Liverpool’s first league win in 71 days, ending a catastrophic run that had threatened their season.
The formation change addressed Liverpool’s most glaring weakness: defensive vulnerability. Having conceded three or more goals in three consecutive matches for the first time in 75 years, Slot recognized that Mohamed Salah’s lack of defensive contribution had become an unaffordable luxury. Dominik Szoboszlai’s selection on the right wing provided the industry and discipline needed to protect makeshift right-back Joe Gomez, who was making his first start of the season despite carrying a knee injury.
This tactical framework represented the system Slot originally envisioned when taking the Liverpool job. His summer signings—particularly Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak—make considerably more sense within a 4-2-3-1 structure than in Liverpool’s traditional 4-3-3. However, the challenge throughout the season had been accommodating Salah’s presence in a formation that required greater defensive responsibility from wide players. This match suggested Slot may have made his choice.
Alexander Isak’s opening goal, his first in league competition since his £135 million transfer from Newcastle, provided the breakthrough Liverpool desperately needed. The Swedish international showed composure and class with his first-time finish from Cody Gakpo’s cutback, demonstrating why the club invested so heavily despite his difficult start. Gakpo’s late second goal, following Lucas Paquetá’s dismissal for two quick bookings, secured the points.
While the performance was far from convincing, with large portions of the match offering minimal entertainment, Liverpool will focus on the result rather than the aesthetics. The new formation provides defensive stability, and as players adapt to their roles and develop understanding, attacking fluency should improve. For Slot, this represents validation of his tactical vision, even if the journey to implementing it fully remains ongoing.