The strategy implemented by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was spot-on last weekend as Nottingham Forest defeated Liverpool 1-0.
To keep the Reds’ perfect start to the Premier League season, the Portuguese will have to start the entire process over. He will undoubtedly have to consider a few options when it comes to choosing his squad.
Nuno concentrated on stifling the hosts’ threat by packing the middle of the ground at Anfield. Is he going to start the same lineup against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday (2 pm kickoff)?
“Elliot Anderson and Nico Dominguez played wide early on. Dealing with the full-backs’ inside runs as part of their defensive duties, regarding his approach in Merseyside, Nuno stated that it was unfeasible for them to survive the match. “We realised we needed to substitute. It is good that the substitutes in and had an effect.
Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi both made an impact off the bench; the latter set up his teammate for the game’s lone goal. However, both will be itching to return to the South Coast starting lineup.
Brighton will be a formidable opponent because they have also started the season well. Nevertheless, Ipswich Town showed that they may be frustrated, and Nuno will undoubtedly examine the details of their 0-0 stalemate from the previous Saturday.
In that deadlock, the Seagulls possessed the majority of the ball, but their opponents held tight to prevent them from getting close. Nuno has to decide if it makes sense to keep Anderson and Dominguez in their current positions from last week and then add Hudson-Odoi and Elanga’s enthusiasm later on.
He could, of course, start Elanga and Hudson-Odoi while switching up his midfield. The defence’s last outing required Ryan Yates and James Ward-Prowse to act as a shield.
“The middle block was excellent. It was essentially best practices for middle-of-the-pitch defence, Yates remarked afterwards.
During his debut, Ward-Prowse made an impression and appears to have solidified his spot on the team. A few games into the campaign, Anderson is also all but unstoppable. Maybe Nuno will think about whether those two can operate as a midfield duo if he chooses to start his starting wingers right away. Despite not having much of an opportunity to showcase his set-piece abilities at Anfield, Ward-Prowse can prove to be a valuable asset as the season goes on.