Liverpool is the Premier League leader going into the final international break of 2024. The Sunday newspapers in England are highly impressed by Arne Slot’s team, which was too strong for Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
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"Whisper it quietly, but something serious seems to be blossoming under Arne Slot," writes the Liverpool Echo in its Sunday edition.
The fans at Anfield have already embraced their new manager, chanting his name on The Kop as Liverpool secured yet another victory. It’s a rare sight to see a new coach hailed with such fervor so early in his tenure, but Slot has managed to capture the imagination of the supporters in a way few have done before. The newspaper draws comparisons with legendary figures like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Kenny Dalglish, and Jürgen Klopp, emphasizing that Slot's start has been nothing short of extraordinary. "Look at all the legends: Shankly, Paisley, Dalglish, Klopp, and you’ll see: Slot has had a better start than all of these icons. This could very well be the beginning of another golden era for Liverpool."
The optimism at Anfield is palpable, and the statistics back it up. Liverpool has accumulated more points at this stage of the season than during their dominant campaign of 2019-2020 under Klopp. The Echo continues, "The style of play, dubbed 'Slotball,' isn’t just about attacking flair. It’s a complete package, combining relentless pressing, solid defensive organization, and swift transitions. This is a Liverpool side reborn, playing with a freedom and confidence that many thought had been lost after Klopp’s final years."
Over at Sky Sports, the focus is on Liverpool's current position at the top of the Premier League table and the implications it has for the title race. "Liverpool increases the pressure on title rivals with a perfect result heading into the international break. Even the most optimistic Liverpool fans did not expect Slot to follow in Jürgen Klopp's footsteps so quickly. Five points clear of their nearest rival is extremely impressive at this stage of the season," they report. Slot’s ability to integrate new signings and make tactical adjustments has drawn praise from analysts. Sky Sports highlights the resurgence of players like Curtis Jones and the impactful performances of new additions, noting that "Slot’s tactical acumen is reminiscent of the early Klopp era, but with a twist. There’s a greater emphasis on positional play and controlled possession, elements that have made Liverpool less predictable and more adaptable."
The Guardian dedicates its analysis to the standout performances of Mohamed Salah, who remains the linchpin of this rejuvenated Liverpool side. "Yes, it’s still early, but fifteen wins in seventeen matches under a new coach and Salah’s top form are extra fuel for Liverpool’s belief. They now have a commanding lead at the top of the table," the report states. Salah's numbers this season are remarkable, with the Egyptian forward already netting 14 goals and providing 9 assists in the league. "It’s not just his goal-scoring ability," The Guardian elaborates. "Salah’s playmaking and leadership on the pitch have been invaluable. He’s taken on a more creative role under Slot, often dropping deeper to link up play and create chances for his teammates. This tactical shift has made Liverpool’s attack more dynamic and harder to defend against."
Meanwhile, The Times focuses on the broader landscape of the Premier League, zooming in on the key differences between Liverpool and their closest competitors, Manchester City and Arsenal. "There was a lot of talk about Slotball, mostly regarding attacking prowess. That was only half true: he’s also addressed the defense effectively. Liverpool is on top because they are the most complete team. Manchester City, struggling with defensive issues in the absence of key players, and Arsenal, lacking a cutting edge in attack, are currently unable to match Liverpool’s balance," the article notes. The statistics paint a clear picture: Liverpool has conceded fewer goals than City and scored more than Arsenal, showcasing their well-rounded approach under Slot.
Despite the overwhelming positives, there was one concerning moment during Liverpool’s recent win over Aston Villa. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been pivotal in his hybrid role as both a right-back and a central playmaker, was forced off early with an apparent hamstring issue. "The only blemish on the evening is the early substitution of Trent Alexander-Arnold," writes The Times. Slot addressed the situation in his post-match interview, expressing concern over the defender's availability for the upcoming international fixtures. "We’ll have to assess him carefully," Slot said. "He’s a crucial player for us, and we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks."
The potential absence of Alexander-Arnold could be a significant blow for England as well, given his recent form. The Liverpool full-back has been instrumental in Gareth Southgate's plans, often being deployed in a more advanced midfield role to exploit his vision and passing range. Southgate will now have to make a decision on whether to call up a replacement or wait for further updates from the Liverpool medical team.
In summary, Liverpool’s dominance this season has been a combination of astute management, revitalized players, and tactical flexibility. Arne Slot’s arrival has brought new energy to the club, and while it’s still early days, the signs are promising. With a five-point lead at the top of the table and a squad firing on all cylinders, Liverpool looks poised to mount a serious title challenge, reminiscent of their golden years under previous legendary managers. As the international break looms, the anticipation and excitement among the fans are at an all-time high, with many daring to dream that this could be the start of something special.
