Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Arne Slot’s measured approach leads Liverpool surge to top
Liverpool seem able to exert greater control under Slot’s more studied style than on the occasions when so many victories were secured after a wild ride under Klopp.
This must never be taken as a criticism of the German, who left at the end of last season after a nine-year spell as boss, but Slot’s early statistics are hugely impressive – the home defeat by Nottingham Forest in September the one blot on his record.
This was Slot’s 10th win in 11 games, their best record in any campaign since 1990-91, when then-manager Kenny Dalglish had an identical record. During the Premier League era, only Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, who won his first 10 matches, has reached that many wins in all competitions in fewer matches than Slot.
For someone entrusted with the weighty responsibility of succeeding an Anfield icon in Klopp, Slot has carried it comfortably in his quiet, understated fashion.
Chelsea’s pass completion rate of 88.1% was the highest on record, since 2003-04, by any away team at Anfield in a Premier League game. And yet, apart from a couple of late scares, Liverpool gave off an air of control that is fast becoming a Slot hallmark.
Maresca’s side may have had the ball but Liverpool were solid, with deputy goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, in for injured Alisson, rarely troubled.
Liverpool’s passing accuracy of 85.9% this season is only slightly improved on Klopp’s final campaign (85.8%), while Slot’s side are playing fewer long balls per game, 22.6 as opposed to 25.3 last term. While some stats are similar, there is a marked difference in passes played into the box, with 39.3 per game under Klopp last season and 28.9 under Slot.
And there is also a more structured defensive look to Slot’s Liverpool, with the stats suggesting they are pressing less aggressively this season. They regained possession in their attacking third 6.1 times per game last season, while that figure is now down to 4.3 times.
Liverpool were fourth best in the league by that measure in Klopp’s farewell campaign. This season, under Slot, they are down to ninth.
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