Football Today
·28 novembre 2024
Football Today
·28 novembre 2024
Arne Slot has been breaking records for fun since replacing iconic Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
Not even the most optimistic Reds fans could’ve foreseen such a swift and impressive transformation under the 46-year-old’s leadership.
When Klopp revealed his decision to leave Anfield, few people could have predicted Liverpool would rise as the next Premier League champions, particularly with Manchester City’s extended period of dominance.
However, the Dutchman has gone from strength to strength during the early stages of his managerial career in England.
After becoming the first manager in Premier League history to pull off nine wins in their first ten matches, Slot has refused to take his foot off the gas, guiding Liverpool to unimaginable heights.
Record-time European champions Real Madrid were the latest team to feel the Reds’ wrath in Wednesday’s Champions League blockbuster.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo inspired the Premier League pacesetters to a clear-cut 2-0 home triumph, making them the only side at Europe’s top table with a 100 percent record after five rounds.
Liverpool’s first victory over Los Merengues since 2009 made them only the fifth team in Champions League history to win their opening five games of a campaign while conceding no more than one goal.
In addition to their formidable continental form, the Reds have reigned supreme in domestic action, setting the groundwork for a long-awaited 20th top-flight title.
Except for a dismal 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in September, no one has touched Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
Slot’s side have won ten of their 11 remaining league outings, barring a goal-glutted 2-2 draw at Arsenal.
Liverpool showcased their ‘never give up’ mentality in a come-from-behind 3-2 away win against Southampton last weekend.
A nerve-wracking victory at St Mary’s marked a historic milestone for Slot.
He became only the third manager in the Premier League to win ten of their first 12 matches after Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.
In doing so, the former Feyenoord boss steered the Reds eight points clear of underperforming champions Manchester City in second.
As the only team in England’s top flight to concede under ten goals in the opening 12 rounds, the Merseyside giants are in good shape to extend the gap when they take on the Cityzens at home this weekend.
Beating Pep Guardiola’s downtrodden charges would be the ultimate statement of intent, cementing Liverpool’s position as title favourites.
Mohamed Salah registered a rare miss from the spot in midweek Champions League action.
Despite fluffing his lines against Madrid, the 32-year-old has been the mainstay of Slot’s incredible start to life on Merseyside.
As Sky Sports take stock of the Egyptian’s uncertain future at Anfield, Salah’s influence continues to grow.
Erling Brait Haaland’s arrival has dented the ex-Chelsea flop’s Golden Boot chances, but he remains indispensable for Liverpool.
With ten goals and six assists, Salah is the club’s most prolific player in the Premier League by some margin.
He has had his hand in 67% of Liverpool’s Premier League goals (16/24).
More importantly, his goal contributions have been worth 17 points, a feat unmatched by any player in England’s elite division.
To put Salah’s importance into perspective, without his stellar exploits, the Reds would languish in 13th place in the standings.
Liverpool’s resurgence under Slot has reinvigorated their fanbase, but the road to silverware is still fraught with challenges.
Slot’s ability to keep his side focused and injury-free could define the success of their campaign.
If Salah continues his sensational form and the team sustains their collective momentum, the Reds’ dream of reclaiming domestic and European glory could become a reality.