Diogo Jota‘s objective helped Liverpool declare their sixth Premier League win beneath Arne Slot, although there have been nonetheless enhancements to be made.
9 wins in 10, six wins in seven Premier League video games, two targets conceded in these seven matches. Nevertheless you wish to body Slot’s begin, robust opposition or not, the Reds have exceeded most followers’ expectations.
What’s nice too, although, is that they haven’t exceeded Slot’s expectations – nicely, at the very least he isn’t telling us that anyway.
He’s right here to win and that’s what the Reds are presently doing.
PRO – An excellent first half
Whereas the workforce solely had one objective to indicate for his or her efforts, the primary half featured arguably a few of Liverpool’s greatest soccer to date this season.
Jota’s strike was a working example as Liverpool produced the definition of ‘slicing via’ the opponent – Kostas Tsimikas‘ completely weighting his cross into Cody Gakpo, whose cross was met by Jota’s excellently-timed dart in the direction of objective.
These 45 minutes had been the very best instance of how Slot desires to assault and dominate sides. The Reds had been affected person across the field and waited for the right time to cross into the forwards.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate had been each excellent with the ball at their toes and, as standard, Ryan Gravenberch was very assured at taking the ball on the flip.
PRO – The incomers had been nice
This was the primary league match of the season during which Slot modified the midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Gravenberch.
Curtis Jones began as an alternative of Szoboszlai and slotted in completely, at first doing the job of the Hungarian earlier than shifting to a barely extra attacking position, filling Mac Allister’s sneakers within the second half.
Tsimikas additionally had a strong recreation and whereas he won’t ever be Andy Robertson, the Greek is doing nicely in the mean time when referred to as upon.
The principle man to notice, although, needs to be Gakpo. His type is just good in the mean time and appears so sharp each time he will get the ball. Going backward as nicely, he was an awesome asset on Saturday.
It was notable how he stayed on the left wing, with Luis Diaz introduced on to play on the best when Mo Salah got here off.
PRO – Virgil van Dijk continues to be the very best
What left is there to say about Van Dijk?
Effectively, I suppose we might have a pleasant chat about how nicely he has tailored to some barely completely different calls for from Slot.
One of many captain’s greatest belongings has all the time been his lengthy passing which has been a key a part of his build-up play. He’s now additionally passing vertically at each alternative and making it simpler for his midfielders to obtain.
The captain performed extra passes into the ultimate third (10) than anybody else on the pitch towards Crystal Palace.
With Gravenberch able to obtain dealing with his personal objective, Van Dijk picks out the foot his compatriot desires the ball on and this makes it simpler for the midfielder to open his physique up.
The skipper actually continues to be the perfect on the planet.
CON – Alisson, in fact
You most likely might have guessed this one. With out eager to be too unfavourable after one other win, this can be a blow.
If Liverpool had been competing for the highest 4, we might be high-quality. If this harm had occurred just a few weeks in the past, we wouldn’t have been too confused both.
The issue is that for Liverpool to win the league and even compete, they want each marginal benefit they’ll get.
With such a tricky run of fixtures to return, Caoimhin Kelleher will likely be a protected pair of palms, most likely even higher than protected.
Nevertheless, Alisson is a match winner and that’s what Liverpool will want when they’re grinding out outcomes thrice every week.
CON – Wrap it up earlier, Liverpool
If we’re being choosy, the one different unfavourable from the day was that Liverpool didn’t get the job finished earlier, and it practically price them.
With so many matches, it might be a giant assist if the Reds might get issues wrapped up within the first 60 minutes so Slot could make his pre-planned modifications with out having the added fear of getting only a one-goal benefit.
Palace ought to have made Liverpool pay on Saturday – Eberechi Eze’s one-on-one miss was a very heart-stopping second for supporters.
In case you are solely up by one objective, then you must anticipate to face stress in the direction of the top of a match. There are video games in a season when you must maintain on, and Liverpool did that nicely this weekend, however retaining these events to a minimal could be very useful in sustaining your vitality throughout an entire season.
