Liverpool has made a strong start to its Premier League campaign this season by winning each of their first three matches so far. Their latest win, which came against arch-rivals Manchester United on 1 September, has further bolstered their claim as one of the favourites to win the league title.
The Reds finished third in the league table last season after having played really well in the first half of it. However, Jürgen Klopp’s announcement of his impending departure probably shifted the focus of the players quite undesirably.
Liverpool has not made any new signing in the recently-concluded summer transfer window except that of Federico Chiesa, but Arne Slot, their new manager, has surely inherited a strong team. He will continue to face stiff competition from both Manchester City and Arsenal, but his team will be one of the favorites to win the title.
Slot’s Team Continues High Press
Liverpool showed the effectiveness of their high-press against Manchester United, forcing the latter to concede possession quite fatally inside their own half. Slot has changed the formation to 4-2-3-1 from Klopp’s 4-3-3, with a very mobile and dynamic Dominik Szoboszlai playing as the No. 10. The formation can very well become a 4-1-4-1, as it happened against United, with Alexis Mac Allister playing as the lone defensive midfielder at times.
Ryan Gravenberch had a terrific match last Sunday and should continue to play a key role in the Reds’ set-up this season. However, it has to be noted that the transition towards a more controlled passing football started last season itself, as Klopp signed Szoboszlai and Mac Allister.
With Roberto Firmino being replaced by a more conventional No. 9 in the form of Diogo Jota, Liverpool have moved towards playing more short passes in the opposition half, which is in contrast with the more feral and direct style that came to be identified with the initial days of Klopp as a manager.
Luis Díaz is a very capable left-winger and Mohamed Salah is back to his lethal best again. All of that has made the goal-scoring threats of the Reds very potent, with the likes of Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez being there as the back-ups. Chiesa’s inclusion will further bolster them this season.
The Cityzens and the Gunners are both very strong teams and should remain as two of the firm favourites to win the league title. Manchester City has won four consecutive Premier League titles and is strongly in course of making it five in a row. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, meanwhile, has been pipped in the post twice and will want to make amends this season.
Still, Liverpool will fancy its chances of winning its 20th league title this season. Manchester City’s brilliant team might be slightly less motivated this season and that might present the Reds with an opportunity. Slot, therefore, will dream of emulating the feat of Antonio Conte, who won the Premier League title with Chelsea in his debut season as the Blues’ manager. It will not be an easy task, but Liverpool might prove to be equal to it.