Liverpool’s Stats Show Slot Era Could Eclipse 2019/20 Glory | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Underlying Numbers: A Deep Dive into the Slot vs Klopp Comparisons

When assessing Liverpool’s recent form, it’s tempting to compare the Arne Slot era with the peak Jürgen Klopp days, particularly the iconic 2019/20 season when the Reds stormed to the Premier League title. Yet, as Paul Tomkins of The Tomkins Times highlights, Liverpool’s underlying numbers under Slot actually present a fascinating, and perhaps unexpected, story: this current Liverpool squad is statistically better in several crucial areas than Klopp’s champions.

How Slot’s Team Measures Up

Tomkins carefully compares Liverpool’s xG (Expected Goals) and xGA (Expected Goals Against) data under Slot with various points in Klopp’s tenure, from early fixtures to full seasons. One particularly striking finding is that, “But whatever way I sliced it, the underlying numbers for Slot’s Liverpool, on balance, have been better than the underlying numbers for Klopp’s.” This insight suggests a balanced and defensively resilient side that isn’t as frequently caught off guard or drawn into chaotic encounters.

Slot’s Liverpool may not be the goal-churning machine that Klopp’s squad was, but the side’s xGA metric tells the story of a more controlled and defensive-minded approach. Under Slot, Liverpool have allowed fewer scoring opportunities, resulting in an xGA as low as 0.73, while under Klopp, it rarely dipped below 1.0 in similar sample sizes. This stat translates into fewer goals conceded per game—an impressive 0.54, compared to Klopp’s title-winning season where Liverpool needed “to go gung-ho for equalisers or winners” more often.

Improvements in xG Difference

Slot’s success has been his ability to keep Liverpool on the front foot while reducing defensive lapses. Tomkins states that “The one area where Klopp’s teams are better is in xG creation in more recent samples,” acknowledging that Klopp’s side was more aggressive offensively. However, Slot’s Liverpool boasts a far better xG Difference, suggesting a balance between attack and defence that Liverpool struggled to maintain in recent seasons.

Photo: IMAGO

This newfound stability and structure mean fewer “hard-fought, close encounters” that characterised Klopp’s title-winning campaign. The focus has shifted to a possession-oriented game when required, with less “gung-ho” play and more composure across the pitch. This pragmatism may explain why some fans find Slot’s Liverpool less thrilling to watch, though it’s hard to argue with the effectiveness.

Slot’s Reds vs. The Myth of Klopp

Tomkins touches on a sentiment many Liverpool fans feel: the memory of Klopp’s Liverpool can overshadow present performances. “My concern remains that Arne Slot…is not being judged against Jürgen Klopp, but against the mythical, cognitively distorted memories of Klopp and his actual numbers.” The figures suggest that Slot’s version of Liverpool is more defensively sound and balanced, even if less exhilarating than Klopp’s side.

Is This the New Liverpool?

If Slot’s Liverpool appears less intense, it may be by design. Tomkins suggests that the Reds are now “retreating into a strong resting defence,” consciously choosing when to push for high possession. In the most recent games, they haven’t needed to go full throttle, which some might interpret as a lack of excitement, but it’s this controlled approach that’s delivering points. As Tomkins points out, “they are creating more than in 2019/20, and conceding far less,” a trend that may be vital in a league where defensive solidity is increasingly valued.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, it’s natural to approach Arne Slot’s tenure with both excitement and a hint of nostalgia. Slot’s style may seem unfamiliar, especially to those who cherished Klopp’s adrenaline-fuelled approach, where every match was a display of relentless pressure and pure attacking intent. In comparison, Slot’s Liverpool appears more measured, focused on balance rather than all-out intensity. It’s a bit like switching from a rock concert to a carefully curated symphony: both are impressive, but they offer different thrills.

Slot’s commitment to defensive solidity can feel like a shift from the Liverpool we know and love. In the past, conceding a goal was simply a call to arms, a reason to push harder. Now, Liverpool’s control over matches reduces those desperate moments. Slot’s approach might lack the edge-of-your-seat chaos, but it promises longevity—a team built to sustain pressure rather than burn out.

Tomkins’ analysis of Slot’s Liverpool as “the better balanced side” may be spot-on, even if it feels slightly less electrifying. There’s value in stability, and it’s exciting to consider where this balanced strategy might take us in the long term. Liverpool are conceding less, winning consistently, and arguably becoming a more complete team. For those of us who live and breathe the highs and lows of Liverpool, perhaps Slot’s era is one we can grow to appreciate—not for the chaos, but for the clever, calculated victories that could define our future.