Arne Slot's versatility is driving Liverpool's title charge

In beating Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, the Reds showed that they are capable of dominating opponents in many different ways.

Photo: IMAGO | Anfield Index

Although Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge of Liverpool ended with a trophy won and Champions League football once again secured, it seemed clear that change was needed.

Ultimately, Kopites want more than the League Cup and a place in the top four, and it was becoming increasingly apparent that any loftier aims might continue to elude a team that limped over the line in 2023-24.

Klopp’s all-action, aggressive style had been foundational to the incredible success he had brought to Anfield, but it looked to be finally taking its toll towards the end of his reign.

And so the hope was that Arne Slot could bring a more sedate brand of football that would not only guarantee more control in individual games, but also ensure his team came into crunch time still fresh.

What nobody considered, however, was that the Dutchman might be able to combine both approaches to turn Liverpool into a perfectly rounded winning machine.

Nor did they imagine that this versatility wouldn’t just be evident from week to week, but also sometimes across a single 90 minutes.

There can be no better evidence of that than Liverpool’s demolition of reigning champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

In the first half, the Reds delivered a throwback to their best days under Klopp, squeezing the life out of City to create chance after chance through high turnovers.

As much can be seen from a map of their defensive actions (tackles, fouls, aerial duels, interceptions, clearances and recoveries) across the opening 45 minutes, which shows many of those coming in the opposition half.

Liverpool shooting left to right

This approach brought about a one-goal lead that should have been more given Liverpool took 10 shots to their opponents’ one while generating 1.7 xG to 0.13.