The Anfield Ascent: Liverpool’s 2025/26 Mid-Season Resurgence

Liverpool Football Club is heading into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose. After a turbulent autumn that saw the reigning champions slip as low as the bottom half of the table, Arne Slot has successfully steered the ship back into the Top Four.

After a damaging slump in form and intense scrutiny on Arne Slot’s leadership, the Reds are beginning to look like a side that has reset, regrouped, and rediscovered its edge. The Reds have closed out 2025 with four consecutive wins across all competitions, showing signs of a revitalised side ready to push the limits this season.

📈 From Turbulence to Traction

The low point of the campaign saw Liverpool lose six of seven matches across all competitions, slipping out of the title conversation and raising questions about squad harmony. Since then, results and performances have been impressive. A run of domestic league victories has stabilised the squad and fans. However, the turning point for Slot's side was a vital Champions League win over Inter Milan. Since that crucial result, Liverpool's resurgence has been solidified.

Liverpool’s winter form has been nothing short of transformative. December has seen Arne Slot solidify his squad into a well-oiled machine. They currently sit in 4th place, a stunning turnaround from their previously languishing mid-table place. Florian Wirtz has finally contributed to Liverpool's squad, scoring his first league goal for Liverpool against Wolves. He has formed a resilient partnership with Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai in midfield. Key victories against Tottenham (2-1) and Brighton (2-0) earlier this month proved that the Reds can once again dominate high-intensity matchups.

🧠 Slot’s Tactical Reset

Rather than abandoning his principles, Slot has refined them. Liverpool are pressing more selectively, defending with greater compactness, and building attacks with clearer structure. The chaos that defined the autumn has been replaced by control, particularly in midfield, where games are now being managed rather than chased. The pressure on Arne Slot has subsided, not because he has shifted tactics but rather because he has cemented his style over his squad.

Challenges still remain. Scrutiny has fallen on the defensive structure, particularly after the departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs this week. Conceding 12 goals from set-plays this season remains the "Achilles' heel" that Slot must fix to challenge for the title.

🌟 New Faces, New Firepower

While the "old guard" of Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah remain pillars of the team, the resurgence is being fueled by fresh blood:

• Hugo Ekitike: The Eintracht Frankfurt arrival has been the surprise package of the season, leading the club with 11 goals in all competitions. His pace and movement have provided the clinical edge that was missing during the early-season slump.

  
  

• Jeremie Frimpong: Since returning to the lineup, Frimpong’s overlapping runs have revitalised the right flank, providing the width and crossing quality that previously relied solely on Trent Alexander-Arnold.

  
  

• Federico Chiesa: After a slow start to his Anfield career, Chiesa has forced his way into the starting XI, providing a relentless work rate that fits Slot’s high-press system.

At the back, Virgil van Dijk’s leadership has been vital. Liverpool are conceding fewer high-quality chances, and the back line looks calmer under pressure, with full-backs choosing their moments to attack rather than leaving space behind. While the Dutchman is not the player he once was, his leadership qualities remain vital in Liverpool's success.

🔮 The January Outlook

With the winter window opening in hours, rumours are swirling about a move for Joel Ordóñez or Marc Guéhi to bolster a defence that has felt the absence of the injured Alexander Isak and Joe Gomez. Marc Guéhi was a key target for Liverpool in the summer and looks set on joining the Reds in the winter or next Summer.

Liverpool enter 2026 as the Premier League's "form team." Liverpool’s resurgence isn’t about a dramatic title charge. It’s about restoring identity, belief, and direction. With structure re-established and the squad visibly aligned with Slot’s vision, the Reds have reminded the league that this season is far from written off.