The current Liverpool squad, now under the management of Arne Slot, presents a quieter and more strategic approach compared to Klopp’s ‘heavy metal’ style, but it seems to be effective thus far. Michael Regan/Getty Images
For those who tuned in to the match between Liverpool and Brentford on Sunday, an unusual atmosphere was palpable: silence.
Throughout the Jurgen Klopp era, Anfield rarely experienced quiet moments. This was not only due to their frequent victories but because of the continuous action on the pitch. The team consistently pressured opponents in the attacking third, attempted audacious passes over the opposition’s backline, or defended vigorously against counter-attacks.
Last season, Liverpool averaged 94 possessions per team during matches, ranking third highest in the Premier League. They embraced risk with the ball and compelled opponents to do the same by relentlessly pressing immediately after losing possession. Klopp thrived on chaos, creating an environment where fans fueled the players, who, in turn, motivated the supporters.
However, during a point in the second half against Brentford, while leading 1-0, the fans seemed uncertain about how to react. It’s straightforward to know when to cheer for Trent Alexander-Arnold launching a cross-field pass to Darwin Núñez. But what should you be vocal about while witnessing the same players from last year patiently circle the ball? When is it appropriate to shout? How quiet should your applause be?
On Sunday, Liverpool achieved an impressive 92% pass completion rate — the highest recorded in a Premier League match for the club. They comfortably overpowered Brentford with a 2-0 victory, all while managing just 85 possessions per team.
Thus, there are two accomplishments that Arne Slot can claim which Klopp did not: he’s the first Liverpool manager to win his initial two Premier League matches in charge.
From just two games, it may be premature to draw significant conclusions regarding team quality or tactical methods. Separating the random from the intentional, figuring out the influence of the opposition, and understanding how player fitness contributes—these aspects remain unclear. Nevertheless, it seems more than coincidental that Liverpool achieved this noteworthy passing statistic and left their supporters puzzled in only the second game under the new manager.
What changes have occurred for Liverpool under Arne Slot?
Well, it’s evident that they are now the top team in the league. Here’s how the teams rank based on expected-goal differential, albeit after just two matches:
(Source: TruMedia / Stats Perform)
I jest, of course. There’s little to draw from
Ipswich faced off against Liverpool and Manchester City. Both Newcastle and Everton experienced the consequences of red cards. Chelsea’s position in the middle of the standings suggests that their decisive 6-2 victory over Wolves owed more to effective finishing rather than any significant advancements in creating or suppressing chances. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s spot at the top primarily indicates that they have navigated a relatively straightforward schedule so far.
This placement also reflects that they have performed about as well as anyone could have anticipated in Slot’s initial two matches. But what has contributed to their success?
Examining the roster, there are just two significant changes from the previous year. Diogo Jota has taken on the central forward position, replacing Darwin Nunez, while Ryan Gravenberch now occupies the third midfielder role instead of Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, or even Harvey Elliott.
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The choices surrounding these two players reflect a noticeable shift in play style during Slot’s first two games. Throughout his Liverpool tenure, Diogo Jota has achieved a pass completion rate of 73%. While this isn’t particularly eye-catching in isolation, it aligns with expectations for a center forward on a top-tier team. Nonetheless, this marks an improvement over Nunez’s 69% rate from last season, and Jota averaged 31 pass attempts per game last year, whereas Nunez only managed 22.
Both of Nunez’s figures ranked as the lowest on the team last season; thus, Slot’s preference for Jota indicates a broader ambition for Liverpool to maintain greater possession of the ball.
In the same matchup against Brentford last season, Liverpool directed 37% of their passes forward, contrasting with only 31% on Sunday. They advanced the ball at an average rate of 1.71 meters per second at home against Brentford last season, which plummeted to just 0.97 meters per second this past Sunday.
However, the more significant changes, at least in my view, have appeared defensively. Liverpool continues to press, though it is no longer the intense, all-out gegenpress style witnessed under Klopp. Although these statistics can vary notably with the addition of another game, so far this season, Liverpool has allowed opponents to complete 80.3% of their passes and has recorded 10.7 passes per defensive action (PPDA).
Both of these figures are above average in the league but remain significantly lower than Liverpool’s statistics from last season.
(Source: TruMedia / Stats Perform)
Additionally, it is worth noting that Liverpool played one mid
