Liverpool’s Best Start Ever: Can Slot Turn Historic Wins Into Trophies? | OneFootball

Almost Unstoppable: Can Liverpool’s Winning Streak Bring Trophies?

When Arne Slot stepped into the Liverpool hot seat following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, he acknowledged the challenge ahead. Klopp had established a lasting legacy, bringing home the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cups. Slot, however, has already shown he might be the right man to continue this legacy and perhaps create one of his own.

Although it’s early days for the Dutch manager, few could have predicted how seamlessly Slot’s era would begin. The 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League marked Liverpool’s 11th win in 12 games since Slot took over. Not only that, but Liverpool made history by winning their first six away games in a single season—a club first.

According to Pat Nevin, former Scotland winger and now a BBC football pundit, Slot himself is cautious: “Arne Slot says ‘judge us after the end of November’, because he thinks they will be playing better then.” Nevin further emphasised, “Maybe the rest of the Premier League will have to be worried because they are almost unbeatable.”

While the fans may have witnessed more dazzling performances in the past, this run of form is undeniable. The Reds are proving to be relentless under Slot’s guidance.

Winning Machine

Liverpool’s current run sees them as just the seventh top-flight English team to win their first six away games across all competitions. In the Premier League era, only two other teams have managed this feat: Newcastle United in 1994-95 and Manchester City in 2017-18. This accomplishment speaks to the efficiency and determination that Slot has instilled in the side.

However, the big question remains: Can they turn these victories into silverware when it really matters? Slot has been quick to keep the team grounded, knowing full well that managing the Premier League and Champions League requires focus, humility, and, most importantly, consistent performances.

Despite the pressures, Liverpool currently sit atop the Premier League and share first place in their Champions League group with Aston Villa. As former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha pointed out, “Liverpool are very much in groove. To know that they can play better while winning a majority of their games, it’s a very nice position to be in.”

Slot has embraced the demands of one of the most challenging roles in football and, so far, has been flourishing. The question is, can they maintain this momentum when the fixtures pile up, and the opposition gets tougher?

Building Towards Bigger Challenges

The upcoming clash with Arsenal marks an important test for Slot’s side. Klopp’s Liverpool in the 2018-19 season won their opening seven games in both the Premier League and Champions League before finishing second to Manchester City by a single point. They also lifted the Champions League trophy that year. Slot’s team in 2024 has now won 11 out of their first 12 matches, with their only defeat coming at the hands of Nottingham Forest in September.

With an eight-game winning streak, Liverpool’s current run of form is their best since March 2022. After the Leipzig match, Nevin was quick to note: “Liverpool picked up when they needed to and looked very, very good. They are not quite there yet, but then you look at the Premier League and Champions League tables and you can’t say anything negative.”

Liverpool may not be hitting their full stride yet, but their results are speaking for themselves. As they head to Arsenal, Slot and his team know they have a real opportunity to solidify their position at the top of both domestic and European competitions.

Records Are Great, But Trophies Matter More

Slot’s impact has been immense so far. By winning his first three European matches, Slot has already put himself alongside the likes of Liverpool legend Bill Shankly. The Reds have also picked up significant victories against clubs like Manchester United, AC Milan, and Chelsea. However, bigger challenges are on the horizon. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayer Leverkusen all await in the coming weeks, making the path ahead anything but smooth.

“This is a team on a brilliant run with some players playing well, but it’s clear more improvements will come,” said Nevin. Liverpool’s current run of form is a strong indicator that they have not yet hit their peak. “If you are having this sort of run and nowhere near peaking yet, that’s real good news.”

Slot himself recognises that the season is a marathon, not a sprint. After the Leipzig victory, he acknowledged the gravity of setting new club records but kept his eyes firmly on the ultimate prize: trophies. “Records are nice, but other things are nicer than records, and you know what I mean by that—trophies,” Slot said.

Like Klopp before him, Slot will be judged not by the records his team sets but by the silverware he brings back to Anfield. With Liverpool at the top of their game and seemingly only improving, Slot has a real chance to add more titles to the club’s already illustrious history. But, as the saying goes, it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish.