Olivia Smith is the embodiment of Amber Whiteley’s Liverpool: Liberated, confident, revived
That is exactly what the 20-year-old Liverpool winger said through a wry smile after Liverpool’s 3-1 Women’s Super League (WSL) win against Manchester United. As a statement it was hardly radical or profound and, in reality, there was no need for the Canadian to say anything at all. Her performances over the last two games have spoken louder than words.
For much of Arsenal’s 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Liverpool last Sunday, Katie McCabe was chasing after a ghost-footed puma. Five days’ later and, 41 minutes into the first half, United midfielder Grace Clinton found herself enduring the same fate as she contemplated how Smith simply liking the right wing translated to Liverpool going from not having a single touch in United’s 18-yard box for almost an entire half to 1-0 up in a matter of seconds.
The answer, of course, was Smith.
She scored twice at Anfield, her first a sensational solo goal to give Liverpool that unlikely lead. Her 67th-minute penalty made it 3-0 after Fuka Nagano had doubled the home team’s advantage in what time remained before half-time.
Friday’s victory was Liverpool’s first in the WSL at Anfield, the team having lost their previous four matches there by an aggregate score of 7-1. It was also Amber Whiteley’s third successive victory as interim manager — and the first time a new Liverpool head coach had won their first two WSL games.
Yet, on paper, Whiteley’s sixth-placed Liverpool had little business defeating second-placed United. Team news triggered groans in the stands. Illness unexpectedly removed midfielder Ceri Holland, centre-back Gemma Bonner, right-back Grace Fisk — all of whom were meant to start the fixture — and forward Leanne Kiernan from the squad. Left-back Alejandra Bernabe, who joined on loan from Chelsea in January, was handed her league debut.
United, in contrast, were bolstered by the returns of right-back Jayde Riviere and top-scorer Elisabeth Terland.
And for the first half hour, this appeared to be following a conventional script. Clinton and Terland stalked Liverpool’s makeshift back four, a bold tactical preference of Whiteley’s exposed as a poor hill to die on. But as Smith rampaged from the right into the box for Liverpool’s first goal, then started the move that ended in Nagano adding the second on the stroke of half-time, suddenly the tactic felt plainly obvious.
Whiteley’s deviation and dedication to a back four is important. That is not just because it is more tactically conducive to Liverpool’s attacking quality compared to predecessor Matt Beard’s preferred wing-back system, with Smith able to better create one-on-one opportunities on the wing.
But because of what it represents: freedom, faith, conviction in self.
“We’ve had a massive boost in confidence (since Whiteley came in),” Smith told reporters on Friday. “That goes with (Whiteley) just giving us more clarity on our roles, switching the formation, allowing us to be ourselves and bringing out our individual qualities.”
“Be yourself” was Whiteley’s message to the dressing room in the days after Beard’s exit; simple enough, but riddled with potential perplexity. Because ? Plucky over-performers as a low-budget squad who were finally exposed for punching above their weight last season? Or a bright, talented group failing to live up to their potential this season?
“We know the quality we have,” Bonner told before Friday’s match. “But it’s about trying to find it consistently and trusting ourselves that we can do that.”
In just three weeks, Whiteley has found a way to coax out that consistency, most notably in attack. The three goals scored against United were the most Liverpool have scored in a league match since October. That they arrived without four key players and against the league’s most formidable defence — before Friday night, United had conceded just six goals in their WSL campaign — is also noteworthy.
Before Friday night, Liverpool had scored just 14 league goals from an xG (expected goals) of 16.7, with their differential the worst in the WSL according to Opta. The poor quality of the opportunities created played a role, with Liverpool only mustering 21 ‘big chances’, the ninth-best in the league, with a conversion rate of 28.6%, the second worst in the division.
Beard’s exit was partly rooted in the fact the Liverpool board perceived his passive tactics were stifling the attack, particularly Smith, who joined in the summer from Sporting CP for a club-record fee of €250,000 (£212,000; $272,000)).
Under Beard, Smith offered murmurings of her quality. But her past three performances under Whiteley, in which she has been utilised in her preferred right-wing berth, have been louder — the roar of something unleashed. While much can be put down to Smith’s individual brilliance, providing her with the appropriate structure to wreak havoc has been key.
Whiteley has focused specifically on urging Liverpool’s back line to step forward, rather than slink backwards and soak up pressure from opponents, as was often the case under Beard. This was clear at the half-hour mark against United. As Liverpool goalkeeper Rachael Laws received treatment, Whiteley instructed her back line to be more aggressive and close the space in midfield that United were stepping into.
They duly capitalised on United’s mistakes in that area — errors that led to goals.
The in-game adjustment is quintessential Whiteley, the former academy coach hailed for her meticulous preparation, tactical nous and unflappability under pressure.
“She’s an amazing coach who knows what she’s talking about,” said Smith. “In meetings, we analyse video in depth. She works with us one-on-one. We’re on the right track. We just have to keep our momentum and stay sharp.”
Watching Whiteley mid-match is beguiling, if nothing more than to provide a contrast with her predecessor. Club tracksuit-clad and one Air Pod in, she patrols the touchline like a CEO dialling in from her penthouse office, commanding without raising her voice.
Yet, for all the chatter of reinvigoration and redesign, there is virtue in familiarity. For large parts against United, Liverpool were at their gnarled defensive best, too; the gritty vestiges on display of a team who executed a league double over United last season and finished fourth in the WSL. Only now, the edges are sharper, the angles lining up more convincingly.
Whiteley remains in charge until the season’s end, at which point Liverpool will make a permanent decision. It is too soon, after three matches, to draw too many conclusions. But Whiteley’s audition makes for compelling discussion.
“There’s no secret other than hard work and good preparation,” Whiteley said on Friday. “We give them everything they need to be able to win the game so that, if illness happens, we’re able to make the changes (and) the transition is as smooth as what you’ve seen tonight. But then it’s over to the players.
“They’re the ones that cross the white line, they’ve got to execute. Against Palace, against Arsenal last week, and again tonight, they’ve given absolutely everything. I’m made up with it.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Liverpool, Soccer, UK Women's Football, Liverpool, Manchester United
2025 The Athletic Media Company
Topics
-
Liverpool stun Man Utd in Women's Super League
Manchester United suffer only their second Women's Super League defeat of the season as Olivia Smith scores twice for Liverpool in a 3-1 win at Anfield.BBC News - 15h -
🚨 WSL: Liverpool stun rivals Man Utd; Arsenal win at Everton
There were two high-anticipated WSL matches Friday evening to get the weekend underway, as Everton hosted Arsenal and Liverpool took on rivals Manchester United. Here is what went down in the two ...Yahoo Sports - 15h -
Slot eyes first Liverpool trophy against Newcastle in League Cup final
Liverpool can win the first trophy of the Arne Slot era in Sunday's League Cup final against a Newcastle side desperate to end the club's 56-year wait for major silverware.However, Newcastle are ...Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Liverpool “CLOSE” to beating Manchester United to €60m transfer
Liverpool are reportedly close to winning the race for the transfer of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes in a potential €60m deal.The Reds have previously been linked with the likes of Martin Zubimendi ...Yahoo Sports - 4h -
Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold to miss League Cup final in injury blow
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the League Cup final against Newcastle with an ankle injury that leaves the defender facing an extended spell on the sidelines.- 'Perfect game' - League ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Liverpool secure FA Cup upset over Arsenal after Van Domselaar own goal
Liverpool completed the upset of the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals with a battling 1-0 victory against Arsenal. A 78th-minute winner – a rebounded own goal off the unfortunate Daphne van Domselaar ...The Guardian - 5d -
PSG oust Liverpool in shootout to reach UCL last 8
Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool 4-1 in a penalty shootout to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals after winning a rip-roaring last-16 second-leg match at Anfield 1-0 on Tuesday.ESPN - 3d -
Mohamed Salah To Start? | 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Predicted Lineup Against Newcastle United
Liverpool will face Newcastle United in the final of the EFL Cup at the Wembley Stadium. The Reds have been in superb form this season in domestic competitions and are on their way to winning the ...Yahoo Sports - 15h -
Liverpool vs Manchester United LIVE: Women's Super League team news, line-ups and more
Follow all the action from AnfieldYahoo Sports - 19h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Four-star edge rusher to visit Georgia football
Georgia is set to get an official visit from elite four-star edge rusher Dre QuinnYahoo Sports - 25m -
Kristin Juszczyk posts an emotional video after Kyle Juszczyk re-signs with the 49ers
Kyle Juszczyk is back with the San Francisco 49ers and his wife Kristin celebrated on Instagram.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Ohtani hits home run in Dodgers' Tokyo exhibition game
Shohei Ohtani fever in Tokyo reached boiling point Saturday as the Japanese baseball superstar hit a home run in his first game in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform in his home country.But it was his ...Yahoo Sports - 29m -
Porter inherits talented West Virginia RB room
West Virginia has a new running backs coach, in the experienced Larry Porter. Porter, a 27-year coaching veteran, came to Morgantown after previously serving as the running backs coach and special ...Yahoo Sports - 29m -
Mekhi Becton to Chargers: Lineman joins LA after his Super Bowl win
Mekhi Becton had his best season as a pro in 2024Yahoo Sports - 29m
More in Sports
-
Michigan State vs. Wisconsin odds, how to watch, prediction, free 2025 Big Ten Tournament semifinal picks
SportsLine's proven computer model has revealed its best bets for Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans Saturday on CBS and streaming on Paramount+CBS Sports - 19m -
2025 Players Championship purse, prize money: Payouts for golfers, winner's share out of $25 million pool
The biggest prize fund of the PGA Tour's season is up for grabs this week during its signature event at TPC SawgrassCBS Sports - 21m -
UFC Fight Night odds, predictions, time, Las Vegas card: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2 free picks by proven MMA expert
SportsLine's Daniel Vithlani reveals his picks for the UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2 fight card from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on SaturdayCBS Sports - 23m -
Four-star edge rusher to visit Georgia football
Georgia is set to get an official visit from elite four-star edge rusher Dre QuinnYahoo Sports - 25m -
Men's Bracketology: UNC is still in, plus more updates from a busy Friday
It's going to be a weekend-long debate: North Carolina, with good metrics and few quality wins, versus Texas, which has plenty of really good wins but a so-so record.ESPN - 27m