Life can’t get much better for Arne Slot right now. The Dutchman has eased into the Liverpool job seamlessly, and has guided the Reds to a sensational start to his first season in charge.
Saturday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, courtesy of goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah, sent Liverpool five points clear at the top of the Premier League as they once again capitalized on a slip-up from Manchester City.
It’s another step in the right direction for the Reds in this new era, and they have turned more than a few heads with their accomplishments so far. Of course, there is still a long way to go before they can claim to have truly achieved anything, but already Slot is being compared to some of the club’s greats.
Trent Alexander-Arnold injury latest as Arne Slot offers update on Liverpool ace - 'Always serious' I heard blunt Kyle Walker and Pep Guardiola messages that say it all about huge Liverpool chanceAs usual, plenty of the UK’s national media were at Anfield to see Liverpool’s latest win – here’s a round-up of what they had to say on the table-topping Reds.
Jonathan Northcroft, The Times
“There was fevered talk about “Slotball” when Anfield’s new hero of the dugout was appointed, but it focused on the quality of Arne Slot’s attacking ideas. The talk was only half-right, because he is a manager who also instils the importance of defending. He has brought high standards to both sides of Liverpool’s play.
“In a season where there are holes in their rivals’ games, it’s no surprise Liverpool top the Premier League table, because they are the most complete team in the competition. Right now Manchester City can’t defend and Arsenal can’t attack, but Slot’s men do both. Here were another three points built on the opposing pillars of a clean sheet and electric forward play.
“Was Mohamed Salah’s timeless brilliance more important than Ibrahima Konaté’s immense resistance? Take your pick. Both were signatures of a victory acclaimed by a rowdy Saturday night crowd at Anfield.
“The 2-0 scoreline appears straightforward but, actually, Aston Villa were good. They competed, went forward with pace and defended with muscle. They had chances to score once or twice themselves. This made Liverpool’s feat of not only shutting them out but winning by a margin all the more impressive.”
Andy Hunter, The Guardian
“Any slip-up, whether 270 miles away in Brighton or inside the comfort of Anfield, and Mohamed Salah will pounce. The Liverpool forward ensured Arne Slot’s team took full advantage of Manchester City’s latest defeat, plus Aston Villa’s vulnerability to a counterattack, to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Early days, yes, but a five-point advantage, 15 wins in 17 matches under a new head coach and Salah’s sustained excellence have fuelled Liverpool’s belief.
“Salah was instrumental in Darwin Núñez’s breakthrough against Unai Emery’s team and sealed victory late on as Liverpool headed into the international break with momentum and confidence soaring. It was his 10th assist and 10th goal of the season in all competitions. The Egypt international’s long-term Liverpool future may be in doubt, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, but not the decisive influence he continues to exert at the age of 32.
“Villa performed strongly and had two decent penalty appeals dismissed. But they lacked Liverpool’s quality and precision in the final third. The visitors were frequently exposed on the break too, several times following their own corners, and a team of Liverpool’s calibre requires no invitation.”
Chris Bascombe, The Telegraph
“They are not singing about winning the league at Anfield yet, but Jurgen’s believers have rapidly become Arne’s disciples.
“On what might prove one of the most consequential early rounds in the title fight, all the Kop was missing was the celebratory fist pumps from their manager.
“Arne Slot looked like he might be tempted as he accepted the full-time acclaim for a thoroughbred performance to shrug aside Aston Villa, his side having seized the initiative in the latest championship tussle with Manchester City and Arsenal to complete the best seven days of a managerial era still in its infancy.
“The supporters’ craving the Dutchman dashing towards them and choreographing another chorus were not successful this time, but it has taken just three months for him to prompt their serenades. Slot’s 15th win from 17 games continues a seamless Anfield transition putting one in mind of Kevin Keegan handing over his number seven jersey to Kenny Dalglish.
“If this continues the more optimistic will be comparing Slot replacing Klopp to Joe Fagan following Bob Paisley, or Paisley following Bill Shankly.
“We must pause before driving that bandwagon. He will need the biggest trophies for such a statement to have credibility, but for sure he has this stadium stirring again, as if the first few months were a ‘getting to know each other period’ in a blossoming romance.”
