Newcastle United triumphed over Liverpool, sealing a historic 2-1 victory at Wembley and securing their first major trophy in 70 years. It was a memorable day for Eddie Howe’s side, but one filled with frustration and regret for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, whose tactical choices raised more questions than answers. But precisely where did Slot go wrong?
Slot’s Questionable Decision to Bench Alisson
Arne Slot’s decision to opt for Caoimhin Kelleher instead of Alisson Becker was arguably his most unexpected choice. While the Irish goalkeeper has earned significant praise as perhaps the finest backup goalkeeper in football today, leaving a world-class talent like Alisson, widely recognised as one of the Premier League’s greatest goalkeepers, on the bench raised more than a few eyebrows.
Despite some supporters speculating that Alisson’s presence might have prevented Dan Burn’s opening goal, Kelleher cannot be explicitly blamed for either Newcastle strike. Managers often keep faith in their cup goalkeeper throughout a competition, yet Alisson had already featured prominently in the semi-finals, was fit and available, making Slot’s decision particularly puzzling.
Jota’s Selection Amid Prolonged Poor Form
Arne Slot’s persistence in starting Diogo Jota, who had gone without scoring since mid-January, backfired significantly. The Portuguese forward, who has previously been revered for his ability to score and create goals, appeared bereft of confidence. At Wembley, he produced a lethargic display, symbolic of a striker far removed from his best.
Jota, now 28, once hailed among the Premier League’s sharpest finishers, has managed only eight goals in 29 appearances this season, none of which have come recently. Slot’s decision to persist with such an out-of-form striker in a crucial cup final was undeniably risky, and it did little to trouble Newcastle’s disciplined defence.
Mac Allister’s Misguided Marking Assignment
One of the game’s turning points came from an unexpected mismatch during set-pieces: Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was assigned the difficult task of marking Dan Burn, one of the tallest players in the league. Predictably, Burn towered above Mac Allister to head Newcastle into the lead, highlighting a significant flaw in Liverpool’s tactical planning.
Slot’s insistence on this arrangement seemed especially perplexing considering Liverpool’s available resources, with centre-backs Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk operating in zonal marking roles instead. More concerningly, even after Burn’s successful header, the Reds continued with the same defensive approach, leaving themselves vulnerable to further aerial attacks.
Responding to criticism after the match, Slot explained:
“I can explain. We play zonal. We always have five players zonally close to our goal; if the ball falls there, there is always one of the stronger five players to attack that ball. We have three players that man-mark; Macca is one of them.”
He also justified the unusual pairing by praising Burn’s unique aerial ability:
“Normally, a player like Burn runs to the zone because normally, I think he is an exception. I have never in my life seen a player from that far away heading a ball with so much force into the far corner.”
Despite Slot’s reasoning, Liverpool supporters will likely continue questioning the wisdom behind this approach.
Delayed Substitutions Cost Liverpool Dearly
Another strategic misstep from Slot was his hesitation to introduce reinforcements from the bench. Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott entered the pitch only in the 74th minute, with Liverpool already trailing by two goals and visibly struggling to create meaningful chances.
Given that Diogo Jota endured a largely ineffective 57-minute performance, the delay in substituting him appeared to harm Liverpool’s attacking momentum. When Chiesa finally entered the fray, he immediately injected creativity into Liverpool’s front line, providing hope with a delicate late finish. Similarly, Elliott, despite reportedly leaving the pitch afterwards in considerable discomfort, also offered improved energy and urgency.
By leaving these attacking changes too late, Slot effectively denied Liverpool the chance to mount a more substantial comeback, further highlighting tactical hesitancy that proved costly on the day.
Newcastle’s Moment of Triumph: Burn and Isak Shine
While Slot’s tactical decisions faced scrutiny, Newcastle took full advantage. Dan Burn’s powerful header not only exposed Liverpool’s flawed set-piece strategy but also set the tone for Newcastle’s historic evening. Soon after, Alexander Isak—previously linked with a move to Liverpool—further compounded the Reds’ misery with a confident half-volley.
Liverpool’s late consolation goal from Chiesa briefly raised hopes but ultimately failed to overshadow Newcastle’s deserved victory.
For Slot, the outcome poses serious questions about tactical rigidity and decision-making, especially with plenty of football left to play this season. Liverpool fans will rightly wonder whether flexibility in approach might have changed the final outcome at Wembley.
The coming months will undoubtedly test Slot’s adaptability, particularly in games where margins are tight and tactical nuances can mean the difference between triumph and disappointment.
