Looking at the games they’ve played so far, it’s been argued that the Merseyside outfit haven’t faced truly elite opposition yet. However, the team can only play what’s in front of them, and it appears as though they have been revitalised since the arrival of their new Dutch coach.
Slot has begun to develop a very similar style of play to the one he used during his time at Feyenoord. These tactics focus on a more patient build of play, which sees the domination of possession and passing stats, whilst gradually breaking the lines of the opposition defence before carving out high percentage goalscoring chances.
The team has clearly taken to the new manager, with 15 goals in 8 games
This contrasts quite heavily to the ‘heavy metal’ gegenpressing style of their previous manager Jurgen Klopp, who had earned plenty of plaudits for the exciting way in which his Liverpool side played. At the start of the season, many fans wondered whether Slot’s more possession focused tactics would translate well into this squad that had been instructed to move the ball up the pitch as quickly as they possibly could under Klopp. But the team has clearly taken to the new manager, with 15 goals in 8 games, whilst they have even more impressively only conceded 3 goals.
Notable wins in the league include their 0-3 demolition job of Manchester United at Old Trafford. This game saw the emergence of the important role that Ryan Gravenberch will play for Slot’s side, as he outclassed United’s midfield with his energy and technical prowess. The obvious thing to state around this game would be the dire run of form that this United side have been on this season, which leads some to believe that this win isn’t as spectacular as others have made out. However, to win the North-West derby just three games into Slot’s tenure as Liverpool manager is no feat to be sniffed at.
0-3 demolition job of Manchester United at Old Trafford
Their recent 2-1 victory against Chelsea can also be regarded as an important measure of success. Chelsea had been on a stellar run of form in recent weeks under their new manager Enzo Maresca, having gone unbeaten in their last 6 matches leading up to the fixture. Liverpool were tactically astute again though, as they picked up their 7th win of the season.
The 0-1 loss they received against Nottingham Forest could be seen as a potential dampener on Liverpool fans title hopes, due to the gritty nature of the game and lack of clinical edge from Liverpool. Although, Forest themselves have been in red hot form as they currently sit at 6th in the table and can be considered a surprisingly difficult task for most teams in the league at present.
Losses are to be expected by every team in the league, especially for a team who has had a recent long term managerial change. Arne Slot is proving all the pre-season doubters wrong at the moment, and appears to be asserting himself as one of the best managers in the league. Of course, the season is only just starting, so time will tell, but if Liverpool manage to avoid too many major injuries, they are certainly on their way to title contention this season.
