Liverpool left North London with three points after a tense 2–1 win over Tottenham — but beneath the victory lies a growing concern that manager Arne Slot cannot ignore.
While the Reds showed resilience after a nervy start, one player’s performance stood out for all the wrong reasons. In a game that should have been controlled and carved open after Spurs went down to ten men, Liverpool’s creative engine faltered — and at the heart of that silence was Alexis Mac Allister.
🔴 How the Match Unfolded
The contest began cautiously, with neither side willing to take early risks. Everything changed just before halftime when Tottenham’s Xavi Simons was shown a straight red after a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk — a decision confirmed by VAR.
After the break, Liverpool emerged with more intent. Substitution Alexander Isak broke the deadlock 11 minutes into the second half, sweeping home Florian Wirtz’s through ball before being forced off injured following a heavy challenge.
Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead with a powerful header, and though Tottenham pulled one back through Richarlison, their hopes were dashed when Cristian Romero received a second yellow for dissent.
On paper, a win is a win. But for long stretches, this was a Liverpool side lacking fluidity, invention, and midfield control.
📉 The Midfield Mystery: Mac Allister’s Invisible Night
With Spurs a man down and sitting deep, the responsibility fell on Liverpool’s advanced playmakers to unlock the game. Florian Wirtz provided the assist. Dominik Szoboszlai carried a threat before shifting to right-back. But Alexis Mac Allister — occupying the central creative role — seemed to fade from view.
By the Numbers:
29 total passes (25 completed)
0 key passes created
10 possessions lost
3 shots, none on target
Only 2 defensive contributions in 90 minutes
Playing against ten men, in a role designed to dictate tempo and craft chances, Mac Allister failed to register a single decisive pass. He was dribbled past twice, won just one of five ground duels, and — most tellingly — let the game pass him by when Liverpool needed control.
🗣️ The Fan Reaction: Frustration Boils Over
On social media and fan forums, criticism was swift and sharp. Supporters who once celebrated Mac Allister’s elegance and vision now voiced bewilderment at his decline.
One fan tweeted:
“Genuinely getting sick of seeing Mac Allister do nothing every single game. He runs like prime Usain Bolt for Argentina though.”
Another added:
“What does Mac Allister actually contribute to the team right now? He goes missing when we need leadership.”
Others pointed to a worrying pattern:
“Watching Mac Allister nowadays is insane — I’ve never seen a physical decline like this in my life.”
The sentiment was clear: this was not a one-off. It was the latest in a string of anonymous displays from a player once considered indispensable.
❓ The Big Question: What Now for Mac Allister?
After the match, GIVEMESPORT handed Mac Allister a 3/10 rating — the lowest of any Liverpool player. The critique was blunt: “careless and uncreative, two qualities a number ten simply can’t exhibit.”
With the January window approaching and midfield reinforcements a constant topic of speculation, Slot faces a delicate decision. Does he persist with Mac Allister, hoping for a return to form? Or does he finally make the tough call — dropping a once-key player in search of better balance?
One thing is certain: in games where control and creativity are non-negotiable, Liverpool can no longer afford passengers.
⚡ The Final Whistle
Victory papers over cracks — but it doesn’t erase them. While Liverpool moves up the table, the questions around Alexis Mac Allister grow louder. Is this a temporary slump, or the unmasking of a player no longer suited to the demands of Slot’s system?
tactics, form, and future?\nTap below for our full analysis — and see who we think should replace Mac Allister in the starting XI.\nOne fan probably put it best:
“Mac Allister might be the new Gakpo — starts every game despite putting out average performances every single week.”
If that’s true, Arne Slot has a serious decision to make. And soon.
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