How Liverpool's defence has transformed under Arne Slot?
Under the Dutch manager, the Reds have conceded fewest goals.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who has considerable experience winning the Premier League, once said, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.”
Even though he managed Manchester United, Liverpool’s fiercest adversary at the time, Reds supporters will find solace in his remarks.
Their team’s outstanding start to the season, which was supported by a nearly impenetrable defence, has allowed them to smoothly transition from the post-Jurgen Klopp era into a new era. With Arne Slot’s guidance, Liverpool enter the international break atop the Premier League.
Liverpool defence under Klopp vs Slot
Liverpool have given up the fewest goals. Including Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace, they have only allowed two goals in seven games, and have five clean sheets.
Given the achievements that the German brought to Anfield, comparisons between Slot’s record and Klopp’s are bound to be made.
It is encouraging to note that the Dutchman has outperformed all of Klopp’s defensive statistics following the first seven games of a Premier League season.
The only time Klopp’s side have come close to conceding the fewest goals in their first seven games was in 2018-19 when his side conceded only three goals.
The defence is still well-known and seasoned enough, with Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold starting, while Ibrahima Konate emerging as Slot’s preferred choice to start at centre-back alongside Dutch centre-back.
That centre-back combination is doing quite well. Liverpool faced 101 shots on goal in the first seven games of the previous season, compared to just 64 this season. But Slot thinks they are doing more than simply keeping out goals.
But has Liverpool’s defence been truly tested?
Of course, rival fans will draw attention to this.
There is a claim that Liverpool have not yet been put to the test, despite the fact that their start has been outstanding and possibly better than even Reds supporters could have imagined.
They have defeated teams that are now in the bottom half of the standings, including two of the bottom three, in five of their six league victories thus far.
Slot has made a point about how his side has yet to face a tough side. After last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Wolves, he told Sky Sports:
“I am the first to understand that the first six fixtures we have had have been much [less] difficult than, for example, the fixtures Wolves had.”
“We still have a lot to prove if we’re going to come across the top sides of the table, if you say it like this. A lot to improve but it’s good that we have these points and that we are where we are at the moment.”
After the international break, Liverpool will face more difficult tests when they visit Chelsea, who are currently in form, on October 20 and then travel to Arsenal, who are also vying for the title, seven days later.
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