Chinese tech giant Huawei said on Monday it had developed a new way of making semiconductors that could get around its U.S.-enforced lack of access to the most advanced chipmaking equipment. Huawei has in recent years been at the centre of a geopolitical standoff after Washington warned its
World Tarot Day 2026: The most misunderstood tarot cards and what they actually meanPeople tarot as entertainment or fear it because of the dramatic social media readings. But tarot was never meant to work through fear; it is a symbolic tool. Updated on: May 25
From mirrors to mood lighting, these 5 budget-friendly decor tricks can make small homes look surprisingly luxuriousWant to upgrade your home into a luxurious space? Here are some budget-friendly decor ideas you can consider for a beautiful home. Published on: May 25
A Bahraini court sentenced nine defendants to life in prison and two others to three years in jail for collaborating with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out what it described as “hostile and terrorist acts” against Bahrain
Tarot vs Astrology: Which one can predict your future better? An expert breaks it downAstrology explains cosmic timing and patterns. Tarot explains your emotional experience of those patterns. One gives you the map, the other acts like a mirror. Updated on: May 25
One win in six - what is going wrong at stumbling Liverpool?
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool began the season well, but now find themselves in eighth place after 11 games.
Over the past six league games Liverpool have picked up just three points - with only bottom-of-the-league Wolves gaining fewer in this period.
And this is despite the Reds spending more than £400m - and bringing in superstar talent - in the summer.
So what are the tactical reasons for why it is going so wrong for Liverpool at the moment?
Many of Liverpool's problems this season stem from how they build from the back.
As a result of Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid in the summer and goalkeeper Alisson Becker's injury six weeks ago, Liverpool's backline is playing differently.
Giorgi Mamardashvili has replaced the injured Alisson in goal and a subtle detail contributing to Liverpool's form comes from the fact the keepers have different strong feet.
Mamardashvili is left-footed, which means he plays certain passes Alisson wouldn't.
This alters the dynamics Liverpool have been used to with the right-footed duo of Alisson and their previous deputy Caoimhin Kelleher.
Keepers are able to play short passes more quickly when passing across their body. Opening up their body and playing to the far side generally takes longer.
For Alisson, this would funnel play towards Virgil van Dijk, the stronger ball-playing centre-back. Mamardashvili's left foot ushers the ball more naturally to the right side now occupied by Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong.
For the majority of this season, Liverpool have opted to build up short and have struggled to do so, particularly down their right.
Teams have made things harder for Liverpool by pressing in a manner that cuts off the left side of the pitch, again forcing Liverpool down their right. Opponents have put attackers on Van Dijk in order to minimise his on-ball influence as well.
When the ball does go to the right side of defence, Liverpool are less able to get out of pressurised situations without Alexander-Arnold.
What Liverpool miss in his absence was analysed here but his two footedness and willingness to play riskier passes, in-field or in-behind, was often Liverpool's get-out-of-jail free card.
A closer look at individual players highlights Milos Kerkez's struggles in disguising his passing intentions at times from left-back. Bradley appears to play at a fast pace but slowing down play in the build-up can actually help teams disrupt an opponents' press and establish safer possession.
An increased speed of build-up and reduced passing quality from their defence result in increased turnovers and fewer prolonged possessions.
Mohamed Salah was central to much of Liverpool's success last season, so why has the Egyptian been less effective so far this campaign?
Liverpool's right flank last season was impressive, often consisting of Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold.
Analysing the latter last season demonstrates how it wasn't only his quality on the ball that stood out - his excellent off-the-ball movement also helped Salah shine.
Using the game against Bournemouth last season as an example, Alexander-Arnold would take a high, attacking midfield position centrally when Liverpool's defenders had the ball. A Bournemouth central midfielder was now responsible for defending him and they would often have to drop deeper.
His positioning helped free up the passing lane from Konate to Salah, allowing the Egyptian to receive the ball with ease.
Salah received the ball deeper, allowing him to turn and face forward with separation between himself and the full-back. This orientation allows him to play his best football - attacking more directly, dribbling with momentum and playing passes in-field.
Another benefit to Alexander-Arnold's inside position here is that rather than having two of the midfield three playing in attacking positions high up the pitch, he and Szoboszlai occupied these areas instead.
This allowed two natural central midfielders in Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to be positioned behind the ball, centrally. Natural defensive midfielders playing behind the ball offer greater defensive solidity when starting in central areas, as this is where counter-attacks are most dangerous.
When compared to this season, the knock-on effects become clear.
Liverpool's full-backs find themselves out wide in their own half, often unable to find their team-mates centrally. The passing lane from Konate to Salah can become crowded too.
Liverpool's full-backs will at times play passes straight to Salah instead. Salah therefore receives passes with pressure from behind him, meaning he is unable to turn and attack dangerously. This reduces how effective he can be.
Centrally there are fewer midfielders positioned to stop a counter attack if the ball is lost too. This spacing issue is made worse because of the increased rotations and movement between the midfield three, an intentional tactical tweak that hasn't yet paid off this season.
Liverpool pressed intensely for many years under Jurgen Klopp but under Slot their out-of-possession tactics differ.
Liverpool now tend to press in a 4-2-4 shape. A principle Slot likes to use is having an extra player in the defensive line compared to the number of attackers the opponents have. This can be described as having a 'plus one' at the back.
Opponents often have a striker and two wide players positioned high. Liverpool under Slot usually keep their four defenders back to have a one player advantage.
A consequence of this is that Liverpool usually have one less player higher up the pitch compared to the opponents.
Pressing opponents that have an extra player in the build-up is a challenge that can be addressed through strong individual pressers.
Alternatively, the press can be executed in a way that allows one player to cover multiple opposition players, often by pressing one player while blocking the passing lane to another.
Generally, teams that press with fewer players up front are looking to force opponents into building down one side before cutting off access to the other side of the pitch.
At times this season, teams have exploited these defensive principles.
In the win against Arsenal earlier this season, Liverpool started the match by keeping a 'plus-one' in their defensive line. This meant that in the build-up Arsenal regularly had a spare man.
In the example below, Liverpool have a front four and a midfield two. If the front four pressed together, the midfield two would have been outnumbered given Riccardo Calafiori's unique position.
Arsenal dominated the first half partly because of this overload and Slot opted for a man-to-man press in the second half to fix this.
Szoboszlai was then tasked with pressing Calafiori which helped Liverpool impose themselves and showcased Slot's understanding of the issue.
It did, however, leave Liverpool man-for-man at the back, something Slot doesn't like to do.
In many games since the match against Arsenal, Slot has reverted to his original approach, bringing with it the same dilemma.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all of Liverpool's problems this season but does highlight some of the main issues Slot and his coaching staff will have to contend with to get Liverpool back on track.
Liverpool's struggles from set-pieces and in dealing with long balls, in a league that is increasingly prioritising both, have contributed to their poor results this season.
There is also the unavoidable fact that the tragic death of team-mate Diogo Jota will have played on the minds of Liverpool's players and staff.
Spending big often brings with it quality players, which should improve results. But given the numerous factors at play in football, both on and off the pitch, striking the perfect balance integrating the new talent isn't always easy.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: How Leicester went from Premier League champions to League One in a decade Liverpool beat Bournemouth in Premier League opener Would Liverpool have got 'soft' penalty in Premier League Liverpool, Man City And Barcelona Ease Into Champions League Last 16 Liverpool without Salah beat Inter in Champions League Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern and Atletico reach Champions League quarter-finals Delhi Premier League Season 2 To Kick Off On THIS Date 90 ships crossed Hormuz since war began They Began Lowering Their Weapons
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2026 examinations scheduled for May 28 in both shifts following a change in the Bakrid holiday date. The agency said revised examination dates for the affected candidates will be announced
1 days ago
President Nikos Christodoulides present, Cyprus positions itself as Europe gateway for HT Labs, other Indian AI firmsRepresenting HT Labs, the innovation and technology arm of HT Media Group, Avinash Mudaliar, Co-Founder and CEO, participated in discussions. Updated on: May 25
1 days ago
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the High Court against the Union government’s order directing it to hand over its 27.3-acre premises by June 5, Live Law reported on Monday. The matter was mentioned before Justice Avneesh Jhingan on Monday by advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi
1 days ago
Strains of the old "Glory, Glory" anthem echoed inside the giant stadium as Tottenham Hotspur stepped back from the precipice of the most humiliating relegation in Premier League history. Spurs players and supporters were in unison at last as they could finally look forward to next season as a
1 days ago
Australian cricketer Megan Schutt will conclude her international career after the 2026 T20 World Cup. The seasoned bowler aims for a strong finish in her final major ICC campaign. Schutt, a veteran of many successful tournaments, wants to pass the baton to the next generation of players
1 days ago
The Japanese fruit ‘sando’ is becoming India’s favourite summer dessert; take a look With fluffy milk bread, clouds of whipped cream, and jewel-like slices of fresh fruit tucked inside, the Japanese sando has become India’s go-to dessert Updated on: May 25
1 days ago
Madhuri Dixit serves ‘a little bit of drama’ as she gives classic white saree a modern twist with chic jacketMadhuri Dixit proves age is just a number as she stuns in ivory saree with floral prints, layered with a sleek jacket, blending elegance with modern drama. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
Stolen Baby: The Murder of Heidi Broussard: Where is slain mom's family now? What to know as crime drama streamsThe release of Stolen Baby: The Murder of Heidi Broussard on Netflix has brought the 2019 murder case in focus again. Know where the slain mom's family is. May 25, 2026
1 days ago
Crude oil prices plunge after US and Iran have shared significant signals on the progress in talks to end the war, however both sides are still at loggerheads on certain issues. Global oil prices have plunged over 5.5% after US and Iran have indicated that there is significant progress in their
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.From office work to AI tasks: The best Asus ExpertBook P3 and Snapdragon PCs to consider in 2026AI laptops are everywhere in 2026, but only a few actually improve daily work
1 days ago
LeBron James has spent more than two decades rewriting NBA history. On Sunday, though, one of his most remarkable streaks finally came to an end. For the first time since his rookie season in 2003-04, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was not named to an All-NBA team
1 days ago
Priyadarshan on Paresh Rawal's exit from Hera Pheri 3: ‘Not aware’Hera Pheri 3 faces turbulence as Paresh Rawal reportedly leaves the film, returning his signing fee. May 25, 2026, 13:38:45 IST Written by Vibha Maru Share via Copy link The controversy around Hera Pheri 3 doesn’t seem to end
1 days ago
BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has resigned from the party. He cited systematic belittlement as the reason for his departure. This follows similar exits by other Rajya Sabha MPs. Samantaray expressed gratitude to party chief Naveen Patnaik for past opportunities
1 days ago
Prashant Kishor to finally contest an election himself? Jan Suraaj Party targets Bankipur, via an ashramKishor is bullish on Bankipur, and claimed that only the Jan Suraaj Party can defeat the BJP there. "We just need to field a strong candidate," he said. Updated on: May 25
1 days ago
It’s been almost five months since Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3 sparked controversy. Now, as the dispute between Farhan Akhtar and the actor continues, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has finally intervened, announcing that its decision on the matter will be revealed
1 days ago
Even George Russell’s biggest critics would probably admit one thing right now: the Briton’s luck this season has been brutal. And standing beside his stricken Mercedes in Montreal on Sunday night, Russell looked completely drained by it all. After opening the season with victory in Shanghai
1 days ago
Turn a classic, creamy tiramisu into a refreshing summer treat by swapping coffee for juicy mango and layering it with fresh fruit and light mascarpone cream. This mango‑infused version keeps the dessert’s rich, custard‑like texture but adds a bright
1 days ago
As Cannes Film Festival closes, which are the acclaimed films from this year's crop that could be heading for Academy Award nominations? If you want to know which films are going to be nominated for Oscars, it's worth looking at what premiered at the Cannes Film Festival the previous May
1 days ago
Delhi Capitals' IPL journey concluded with a sixth-place finish. Coach Hemang Badani cited inconsistent play and missed opportunities as reasons for the team's failure to reach the playoffs. Crucial losses, dropped catches, and batting collapses hampered their campaign
1 days ago
3 elephant calves die within 17 days in Chhattisgarh’s DharamjaigarhEight elephant calves have died in Dharamjaigarh forest division over the past five months due to drowning, getting trapped in marshland, etc Published on: May 25, 2026 1:27 PM IST By Ritesh Mishra Share via Copy link Three
1 days ago
The Canadian Grand Prix was the race in which the Formula 1 title battle finally came alive this year. It was also, however, the race in which it took a potentially decisive turn, putting a huge dent in George Russell's hopes of beating his 19-year-old Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli to the
1 days ago
CBSE Class 12 answer sheet scanned copies application window ends today, direct link hereCBSE Class 12 answer sheet scanned copies application window will close today, May 25, 2026. The direct link to apply is given here. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
Microsoft techie couple in Noida breaks down ₹1.6 lakh monthly expenses, says city feels balanced despite rising costsA Microsoft couple in Noida revealed they spent around ₹1.6 lakh monthly while balancing work, lifestyle and family needs. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
A CBSE Class 12 student has raised serious concerns over the board’s re-evaluation process after claiming the Physics answer sheet uploaded under his roll number does not belong to him. The student shared comparisons of multiple answer sheets and demanded an urgent investigation into the alleged
1 days ago
Thyroid disorder cases have been gradually rising over the past few years, especially in younger adults and the younger working generations. Even though genes and autoimmune disorders play a role, the way we live our lives is becoming a reason for thyroid problems. We speak to Dr Aravind Badiger
1 days ago
Sandhu finishes T-63, Sterne wins after gap of 13 yearsSandhu finishes T-63, Sterne wins after gap of 13 years Published on: May 25, 2026 1:47 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Rinkven , Indian golfer Yuvraj Sandhu endured a difficult final day to finish T-63 at the Soudal Open here
1 days ago
Cardiologist reveals the real cause of heart attacks that most people overlook and it’s not just ‘bad cholesterol’Could your gut health be affecting your heart? A cardiologist explains how inflammation, poor sleep, stress, and unhealthy habits may raise heart attack risk. Published on: May 25
1 days ago
