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Writer's pictureEmma Dowsett

Slot Ball: A New Start to the Premier League


Courtesy of This is Anfield


The start to the Arne Slot era in Liverpool could not have been better. Three wins in the first three games of the Premier League season, seven goals scored, and zero conceded. A win away at Ipswich and the first win at home against Brentford, and then a ruthless performance against their red rivals, Manchester United at Old Trafford. 


The last nine years with Jürgen Klopp as manager were some of the best years in the clubs history, winning multiple trophies, including their first Premier League trophy. When Klopp announced he would be leaving the club in January, he gave the club some time to find a manager who could bring the same level of passion and knowledge he had to the team.


Courtesy of Michael Regan


Slot was officially named head coach of Liverpool Football Club in May 2024. 


With just three games before the international break, Slot had limited time to prove himself, yet he did so astonishingly well. Despite a slow first half against Ipswich, the Reds came out blazing in the second half. Goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah sealed their first win. At home at Anfield, Luis Díaz, and Salah scored to give them the win against Brentford. 


Courtesy of Nick Taylor


Slot had his first big goliath game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Just seven minutes in, Liverpool native Trent Alexander-Arnold scored, celebrating in almost the exact same fashion as former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, with a little kiss to the camera. Unfortunately, the goal was disallowed due to an offside. That didn’t slow down their momentum. Two goals in the first half from Díaz set them up almost perfectly for the second half. Salah scored to give them the 3-0.


Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has kept three clean sheets in a row, with help from his solid defense at the back containing Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Andrew Robertson, and Alexander-Arnold, with some substitutes in rotation. Salah and Díaz stand together tied with the most goals, three apiece. 


Courtesy of Nick Potts


While it may have taken some time for the players to get used to Slot’s new system and tactics, it seems to be paying off with the amount of success so early on. With 20 players out on international duty for the week, it will be interesting to see if this success rate stays with them once they’re back to club soccer. 


Some say Slot has some big shoes to fill, but he has taken on a team proven to be able to win.


Edited by Giana Robertaccio

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