PREP TESTS OVER FOR ARNE SLOT - NOW IT'S FOR REAL.
The international break is ending. (Thankfully!!) Over the next few days, I will examine football on Merseyside. Today, Liverpool. Next, the other mob from across Stanley Park, Everton, Liverpool's local rivals.
Liverpool to the Premier League table going into the second international break. In terms of results, the Arne Slot era has made a strong start. However, as Slot pointed out, Liverpool's run has been relatively easy so far. On paper, their most impressive results have been the victories at Old Trafford and San Siro. BUT!! It would be fair to counter that Manchester United and AC Milan are not at the level of their classic teams of the past. Nonetheless, they are still imposing places to play.
A record of 9 wins and a single loss, top of the EPL, 2 wins out of 2 in the Champions League, and advancing in the League Cup makes satisfying reading for Liverpool fans. The question now becomes, can they keep it going? Liverpool's early season run brings to mind Tottenham's initial run last season after Ange Postecoglu's arrival. In their first 10 games, Tottenham's record was 8 wins and 2 draws before an international break broke the run. On returning, top-of-the-table Spurs stumbled, losing all their games in November, and their early season form was shattered. The downturn in fortunes began with a 4-1 loss to Chelsea.
Chelsea will await the Reds now the international break has ended. It starts a brutal run of 10 games (see below). In quick succession after Chelsea, there are testing trips to play RB Leipzig and Arsenal. Liverpool have just received the blow of losing goalkeeper Alisson Becker for up to six weeks. In the past, Caoimhin Kelleher has shown himself as a capable deputy for Alisson. However, for those with a soccer memory as long as mine, Peter Bonetti was a capable deputy for Gordon Banks on the England national team. Then, the big moment came at the 1970 World Cup, and it did not go well. Alisson will be a big miss, especially against a top rival like Arsenal at their stadium. Huge goalkeeper gloves for Kelleher to fill!!
For Arne Slot, the prep tests are done; now, for the real tests—the ones that matter! This upcoming 10-game run is crucial as it will provide a clearer sense of the direction of Liverpool's season. It will test their consistency, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. Will the Reds be legitimate title contenders? We'll have a better answer at the end of this run.
In total, Liverpool under Slot has impressed. Although I miss the raw excitement of Jurgen Klopp's "heavy metal" football, it is clear that Slot has modified the style. In midfield, especially with Ryan Gravenberch coming to the fore and catching the eye. Controlling the ball appears to be the order of the day, although breaking at speed is still evident at times. Only two goals have been conceded in the League, one of which I classify as a schoolboy error. Overall, the Reds have looked solid in the back. Midfield control, dangerous on the break and tight at the back are all qualities to hold the team in good stead. These strengths will be crucial as the Reds face stronger opposition moving forward.
1). The back 4 is experienced, with Van Dijk leading the team with authority. However, I can't help but wonder how they will cope under sustained pressure. The two goals they have conceded provide some clues. Nottingham Forest exposed the team on the break. Forest scored with a top-notch strike, but for all of Liverpool's possession, one sloppy moment and the team was dangerously exposed. Against Crystal Palace, there was a 3 versus 1 situation after a misplaced pass out of nothing. Eze should really have scored. This moment of defensive lapse could have cost Liverpool the game. As noted previously, the other goal, against Wolves, was entirely preventable, with defensive miscommunication responsible for a goal conceded when there seemed to be little danger.
Similarly, how will the midfield double pivot perform against the top teams? Gravenbrech has impressed, but now we need to see him perform against the City's and the Arsenal's. Alongside him, Mac Allister has been carrying an injury for a while, and if the Reds look short-handed in one area, it is midfield. Harvey Elliott has been out for some time thanks to what some fans call 'Liverpool's curse of the international break ', a reference to the team often losing players to injuries during these breaks. Szoboslai, Jones and Tyler Morton are the other options. The midfield looks lightweight compared to its other rivals, needing more depth.
3). In attack, Liverpool has fantastic options. However, am I alone in thinking that they sometimes want to pass the ball into the net? Last Saturday, the Reds dominated against a poor Crystal Palace outfit for a good hour. In and around the penalty box, they always played the extra pass to set up a perfect goal. Goals win games more than possession and control. If Eze had scored, the game could have ended in a draw. It only takes one misplaced pass.
4). If Slot has made one error in his short spell at the helm, it followed the first international break. I believe he should have rotated. I appreciate the need to keep a winning team. Still, considering not just international games but the associated travel with 3 players returning from South America, changes might have helped against a stubborn Nottingham Forest outfit. Under an international ban, Darwin Nunez had been spared the travel and would have been fit and ready to go. How Arne Slot rotates through this testing run is the biggest key to the remainder of Liverpool's season.
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My feelings are reminiscent of those I had in March when Klopp's side was chasing the Quadruple. Then, the Reds were in a good position but couldn't keep it going. Liverpool has a good team and one of the better squads in the Premier League, but is there truly potential for them to challenge on all fronts? I don't believe Liverpool is good enough to be number one in the Premier League. My forecast in preseason was top four for the Reds, and that's what I anticipate for the rest of 24-25. It goes without saying I would love to be incorrect in my assessment.
YNWA
I discuss Liverpool's upcoming run on the latest episode of 'THE LIVERPOOL REACTION: AN AMERICAN LFC PODCAST':
Liverpool's record in the first 10 games: 9 wins and a loss.
Liverpool's next 10 games. Can they keep it going?
1) LFC vs Chelsea
2) RB Leipzig vs LFC (Champions League)
3) Arsenal vs LFC
4) Brighton vs LFC (League Cup)
5) LFC vs Brighton
6) LFC vs Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League)
7) LFC vs Aston Villa
8) Southampton vs LFC
9) LFC vs Real Madrid (Champions League)
10) LFC vs Man City