In addition to the decline in performance, Pep's strategy can actually be read perfectly by Arni Slot. He understands very well how Pep implements the strategy, especially on 1st half. As we can see how the 1st goal created, Mohammed Salah was unguarded at the moment, even Salah is a top scorer but he is not separated from the defender's observation. It's the same on 2nd goal, the city defender repeats the same thing, Salah, and Szoboszlai still missed their surveillance, and create a nice collaboration on front for 2nd goal. That strange strategy Arni implemented 4-2-2-2, this making mess The city player when Luiz Diaz, and Jones looming them on the other side.
I don't think it was about the strategy. In fact, Pep did use inverted RB tonight. Their main problem is that in how long them to do transition. This creates a space for your opponent when only focusing on defending, then counter attacking.
I often saw how Pep always struggled against a parking bus strategy like what his club did against Liverpool. This has to be the most important puzzle he needs to solve. Once he can solve it, i believe his club may back to the winning the title when he settle it all.
I must admit that Pep Guardiola main style of play is ball possession, but unfortunately it doesn't mean they can easily penetrate the opponent's defense. Liverpool already understands Pep Guardiola game and Arne Slot takes advantage of the opponent's habits to move quickly to steal a score. You could say that 3 points were achieved quite easily, I even bet that both teams would score goals but Manchester City only played with their backs to their opponents without daring to execute. Marmoush almost didn't have any chance in this match he was really tightly guarded not to touch the ball for too long.