Liverpool, one of the most successful clubs in Europe, soared to great heights under Jurgen Klopp. They won the UEFA Champions League in 2019, the Premier League title, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2020, and, finally, completed the collection with the domestic cup double in 2022.
Liverpool fans wanted Klopp to continue for the foreseeable future, but the German craved a break. So, earlier this year, Klopp announced he would leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, putting an end to a nine-year collaboration. Many top managers were linked with the job, but the club ultimately chose comparatively lesser-known, Feyenoord coach Arne Slot.
Slot took charge of the Reds over the summer, and, understandably, had to deal with a bit of skepticism. The Dutchman, however, hit the ground running and has now become the best debutant in Premier League history, having picked up 28 points from 11 games.
Their blistering start has propelled Liverpool to the top of the English top-flight rankings. Here are five reasons why we believe they will claim their 20th title at the end of the 2024-25 season:
#5 Unity in the Dressing Room
Jurgen Klopp was an excellent man-manager at Liverpool, which allowed harmony to prevail inside the dressing room. Arne Slot also possesses that ability, as the Reds look perfectly in sync with each other.
Despite having plenty of big names inside the dressing room, the Merseysiders look committed, organized, and prepared to sacrifice for one another. This camaraderie will be crucial for the championship, especially at the business end of the season when fixtures come thick and fast.
#4 Arne Slot’s Tactical Acumen
Arne Slot did a fine job at Feyenoord, averaging 2.15 points across 148 matches between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2024. He led them to the Eredivisie title in 2022-23 and the KNVB Cup in 2023-24. Under his tutelage, Feyenoord pressed high up the field, hoping to overwhelm opponents and steal possession.
He has brought the same philosophy to Liverpool, and so far, it has worked wonders. Since Jurgen Klopp’s system also relied on high-octane pressing up the field, it took little effort from the players to adapt to Slot’s structure. In many ways, Slot has fine-tuned Klopp’s idea, replacing chaos with a more structured plan for destruction.
Depending on the opponent, Liverpool’s defensive shape can stretch or shrink. Virgil van Dijk has led the defense with authority, just as Mohamed Salah has spearheaded the attack.
#3 Mohamed Salah’s Breathtaking Form
Mohamed Salah has been wreaking havoc since he joined Liverpool in 2017. He has been tormenting opponents with his pace, clever change of direction, inch-perfect crosses, and, of course, ruthless finishing.
The three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner had a sub-par season by his lofty standards in 2023-24, scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists in 32 games. He needed to be back to his best this season to assist Arne Slot, and we can safely say that the Egyptian understood the assignment.
Salah has been in rapid form this season, emerging as the division’s leading goal contributor with eight strikes and six assists in 11 appearances. The former Chelsea man has scored or assisted in nine of the 11 league games he has played. Salah has also been in brilliant form in the UEFA Champions League, scoring once and providing four assists in four outings, helping Liverpool keep a 100% record.
#2 Mentality to Grind Out Results
Liverpool has played 11 Premier League matches so far, winning nine, drawing one, and losing one. Out of those 11 games, only five have been effortless — two 3-0 wins and three 2-0 victories. The Reds have had to work rather hard for the rest.
Against Wolves on Matchday 6, Liverpool won 2-1, courtesy of a Mohamed Salah penalty in the 61st minute. The following week, Diogo Jota scored early to secure a narrow 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. Against Arsenal, Liverpool ace Salah scored in the 81st minute to salvage a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, in the Matchday 10 clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, Luis Diaz and Salah scored in the 69th and 72nd minutes as Liverpool secured a 2-1 comeback victory.
Liverpool have shown they have the quality and the mental fortitude to grind out results — a trait essential for a championship-winning team.
#1 Manchester City and Arsenal’s Struggles
Liverpool’s blistering run has coincided with Manchester City and Arsenal’s tumultuous Premier League form this season. While the Reds have exceeded expectations, the two main title contenders have failed to deliver, dropping a lot of points since the start of the season.
Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions have picked up 23 points from 11 Premier League matches, winning seven games, drawing two, and losing two. They are currently on a four-game losing run in all competitions (2 in the Premier League).
Arsenal, on the other hand, is toiling in fourth place after amassing just 19 points. The Gunners have won five games, drawn four, and lost two. They are on a four-game winless run (2 draws, 2 losses) in the English top flight. Unless Man City and Arsenal greatly pick up the pace in the coming weeks, Liverpool will be almost impossible to catch.
