Liverpool's dramatic drop in intensity under Arne Slot has become impossible to ignore, with running statistics revealing a stark contrast to their Jurgen Klopp era. The Reds ranked top for distance covered during Klopp's first full season but now sit in the bottom three for the first time since such records began. This tactical evolution has coincided with a concerning decline in pressing metrics, with Liverpool now eighth in PPDA rankings compared to topping the charts in their last great season.

Slot's preference for a slower, possession-based approach has left fans longing for the high-energy pressing that once defined Liverpool. The manager's pre-Brighton comments about fatigue and fixture congestion have raised questions about whether the team has been managing workload all season, potentially creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. With Mohamed Salah unfit and Hugo Ekitike injured in the 2-1 defeat, Liverpool now sit outside the top four with seven games remaining, highlighting the tangible consequences of this tactical shift.

Meanwhile, Everton's Beto continues to prove his critics wrong by creating big chances at an elite rate. Despite missing several one-on-ones, the Portuguese forward averages at least one big chance per 90 minutes, joining an exclusive group that includes Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. His two-goal performance against Chelsea demonstrated both his relentless pressing and clinical finishing when given opportunities.