Wolves fans left Anfield on Saturday with a familiar sombre feeling. Another defeat left them with zero points, but the club remained entrenched at the bottom of the Premier League table.
However, the 2-1 defeat against Liverpool was not the rollover many expected. For a brief period in the second half, it looked like Rob Edwards’ side could pull off a result and shake up the league lead in a way few teams have been able to do so far this season.
And what caused the confusion? Arne Slot admitted he was worried about tweaking a simple, old-fashioned tactic.
Arn Slott’s comments could help Rob Edwards vs Man United
After the game, the Liverpool manager was surprisingly candid about Rob Edwards being substituted in the second half.
On introducing Jorgen Strand Larsen to partner Tolu Arokodare in the second half, Slott said (via Liverpool’s official website): “Of course, it’s scary every time they arrive, especially when he brings in another big man and crosses that they give us.”
This is the key. For all the complex pressing structures and tactical nuances of modern football, Liverpool in the slot were destabilized by directness, physicality and crosses into the box.
Edwards should take this admission as a direct guide to Tuesday’s game against Man United.
United, coached by Ruben Amorim, are on the rise but have overcome an injury crisis in defense and now field a makeshift backline that includes teenagers and players returning from long layoffs.
If the ‘big man’ set-up scared Liverpool’s defenders, it could well cause panic against a disjointed United defense that has conceded more goals than the Reds.
Rather than wait until the 60th minute, Edwards might be wise to deploy this heavy artillery from the moment the first whistle blows, bypassing United’s press and turning the game into a physical battle in the air.
Can the Wolves finally record their first win of the season?
Simply put, it’s highly unlikely. Just a few weeks ago, Manchester United defeated fellow Wolves 4-1 at Molineux, exposing the gap in class and confidence between the two teams.
Wolves are enjoying one of the worst seasons in Premier League history, with just two points after 18 games.
But soccer is rarely played on paper. That 4-1 drubbing came as Wolves tried to match United in terms of football.
If Edwards heeds Slot’s fortuitous advice and turns Tuesday’s game into an air raid, targeting United’s tall and aggressive defence, they might be able to find an equalizer to level the playing field.
Although it’s highly likely, this strategy may be the only weapon the Timberwolves have left at this point.
