16 Aug 2025 17:10:31
Sorry if there are factual errors in this post. I didn't research it but rather wrote it in one short sitting from memory. You may also find some of my interpretations false, so let's discuss further in the comments.

22/ 23 was the first time we were properly challenging for the title in a long while. Saliba and Gabriel formed the bedrock of our defence, while in front of them the quartet of Zinchenko, Partey, Xhaka and Odegaard were too good to stop from moving the ball in control from back to front, leading to our forwards receiving the ball in space to punish the opposition.

We ran out of steam and lost out to City. Xhaka left in the summer. There was also a vulnerability at left back because while Zinchenko was effective at progressing the play, the opposing wingers found him a bit too easy to beat. The squad started to evolve into a more physically dominant one with Rice, Havertz and Timber joining. It posed a problem though. Without Xhaka and Zinchenko (who spent some time out injured and started to gradually lose Arteta's trust) we had difficulty in moving the ball forward centrally, leading to the attack losing some of its potency. We scored more points but again it wasn't enough.

The trend that began the summer prior continued in 2024. The signings were tall and strong rather than agile and silky. By this time a big portion of the squad were over 6 ft duelers that provided a great defensive unit, yet new issues had already started to appear without showing signs of being addressed. Rice and Partey couldn't (or weren't instructed to) raise the tempo, which meant there was no space when we worked the play up front. There was an over reliance on Odegaard to come deep and help with early build-up, minimizing his effectiveness further forward. Most of the forwards wanted to play in central areas, allowing opponents to easily play narrow, high line or low block according to what suited them the best. The goals dried up, resulting in too many draws to win the league.

This summer has seen more transfer activity than i anticipated, with the emphasis clearly being to rectify the issues from last season. Zubimendi is a metronome, capable of progressing the play far better than Partey. Gyökeres runs the channels, exploiting high lines. Madueke is a dribbler, capable of beating a man and causing havoc for a team defending in a low block. There's depth in every position to sustain long runs in multiple competitions (i hope) .

For me it feels like the squad is ready to win now.

1.) 16 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025 20:22:53
Iceman - you could say ;
22/ 23 we surprised everyone. Arteta took us further and faster than anyone believed possible and we played some great football. However, we didn’t do what we should have done in the winter window and bottled it. We weren’t brave enough and ultimately blew our best chance of the league.
23/ 24 - never really replaced Granit in the engine room and no decent striker. Put up a decent fight but never looked like winning. Didn’t address key deficiencies in squad again.
24/ 25 - not deep enough squad, overplayed players and had major injuries. Not addressed striker or variation in attack. Play lacked forward momentum and played more to not lose than to win. Despite City falling off we failed to capitalise and failed to compete with Liverpool. No striker and poor left wing. Ode had poor season and we played more sideways for all than forward.
25/ 6 - Far better squad, addressed midfield, addressed striker but not left wing. Purchased second choice striker late 8n window and team still need to adapt to his style. Tough start and we need to get off the mark quick play8ng to aviators strengths. On paper a far better squad but competition improved and still have a band average left wing which could cost us if we are talking about winning epl. This league is tough and it will expose smallest weakness plus tough start. Hopefully we sign LW asap and hopefully we play to aviators strengths. Goalie is good still concerns me at crosses and concentration. Back 4 and midfield are top top drawer - especially with great signing of Zubi. Fantastic bit of business. Really like the balance in midfield and defence - hopefully it allows Ode to be more effective ( can’t be less than last year ) in final 3rd. Huge exciting improvement.
Bit underwhelmed with investment in attack - glad we got striker but still questions about if he can step up and if our style suits him. Also, he was our second choice, so after 3 years looking we still don’t get our guy. However, his numbers are super strong and looks good if we play to his style. Wish we signed Watkins too. Still need that LW and change in style. If we go back to last year style then we are in trouble. If we revert to our seasons before attacking flare then fantastic.
Alot falls on Arteta and if he plays to win, gives us more freedom to attack and actually makes good in game tactical changes. He had the squad to ensure he doesn’t over play players agsin. He should hav3 learned from past 3 seasons to be braver . Should have learned that a win and a loss is better than two draws.
We appear to be far better equipped than ever and spent a fortune on squad so yes - the squad is ready to win BUT can Arteta and Ode get us over the line. That’s the question.
Hope so and super pumped for tomorrow - want to see them play with style, aggression, fast forward play and desire to win. Can’t wai5 to see the line up an£ how we play. Can’t wait to see Viktor and really hope he scored. Hope Zode plays a blinder. Hope Martibelli is hiven the freedom to be the player he was and plays with freedom to go forward. Can’t wait to see Zubi. Really excited and can’t wait. COYG and con3 on Arteta manage like you are at a big big club who wants to win hone / away regardless of away ground.

2.) 17 Aug 2025
17 Aug 2025 00:11:45
Good post Sy, tomorrow not an easy game, even with all there problems, hoping for a big win but will love 14 nil to the Arsenal,
Oops that was supposed to be 1 nil fat fingers.
Sy I don't always agree with you but respect your passion.

3.) 17 Aug 2025
17 Aug 2025 11:29:37
I'd like a superstar lw too but i guess before that Martinelli or Trossard may have to move.

4.) 17 Aug 2025
17 Aug 2025 12:52:14
We struggle to sell players as we put them on crazy money. Who can afford to pay us for - Jesus, Zinchenko, Trossard or Kai. How do Liverpool do so better at selling. based on the business we’ve done we have to sell to buy the game changer we need. Crazy. That’s like not being able to afford the house you need because you buy a 3rd car that’s not really required ?.