So they say you can’t judge anything until 10 games in, well now we’re at that point. On the whole, 9 wins out of 10 in total. Through in the League Cup. 2 in 2 in the CL and top of the league. Couldn’t really be a lot better? STYLE Small tweaks. Far less gung ho which at times takes a bit of getting used to where, however this more controlled play seems to have made us a bit more solid defensively. 8/10 MANAGER Think he comes across brilliantly on screen. Speaks well, not a mini Klopp, being his own man. Easy to be positive when results going well but so far, after a tricky start with transfer window where couldn’t get what wanted, has used what already had an adapted well. 9/10 STAR PLAYERS Hard to argue that Gravenberch hasn’t been the standout. A huge talent that never quite clicked last year, thrown into a deeper role and looks reborn. A different type but has run the show in there and shocked everyone. Does that all season and we can look at other areas that need improvement more so. Honorable mentions to Konate who has other than a couple errors has looked solid. Trent who has looked far better defensively, quick and strong and energetic. Szobo, who although maybe hasn’t got the attacking returns, his running and pressing stats are 2nd to none. Diaz, started season brilliantly although still inconsistent and drifts. CONCERNS Ali’s injury worries continue. Can see why Mamadashvilli has been brought in but until then, Kelleher can step up. The big 3 contracts - longer it goes on it’s a worry, but you’d hope the club are planned for all eventualities. If nothing decided by Jan, our transfer business may show what the club think is happening. PREDICTIONS A tough run of games after the international break will show us where we are in comparison to City and Arsenal. See those out and compete and we can look at a strong season competing for the league with potential to strengthen in January. OVERALL Couldn’t ask for much more. 1 bad result which was disappointing. Some cagey performances but reminiscent of when we won the league and just managed to scrape through games playing poorly when needed. Despite that, we still look a very good team offensively and defensively. 8/10 start. Room for improvement in the performances but getting the results. Long May that continue
The fixture list has been kind to us this year, we couldn’t have asked for a better first 10 games. That said, you can only beat what’s in front of you, which we have, for the most part. Personally, I like the additional stability and balance that Slot has introduced. However, Ali has bailed us out on a few occasions (I know, that’s his job!) and I really do think that on occasions, we have flattered to deceive. I also get irritated a little by the extra 3 touches in the box that we seem to want to take now - every time we score, it’s from a fast transition and really incisive attacking play - I worry that over time, that will be eroded as Klopp’s influence fades. We will see I guess and I hope that I’m completely wrong. As for a score, I’ll wait until the half way point and a few more key games to judge.
I agree with the middle bit, end of the day we are Liverpool and we attack the opposition, there will come a time that control will not be enough and personality and determination will become more important I hope Slot understands that.
As already stated, we've had a favourable run of fixtures so far and other than the completely unexpected loss to a team we should have bested (accompanied with the fact we don't lose at home) it's great to be top of the league so soon. The team seems to like Slot's approach and it's definitely bringing out the best in Gravenberch but I find the messing around at the back with pass after pass amongst the CB's and keeper, very frustrating. The best teams find a way to win even when they're playing badly and we've certainly done that. The real test is yet to come. Klopp's mentality monsters won the league and CL. It's really easy when you're winning. Let's see what kind of influence Slot can have on the team's mentality going forward.
Good analysis. For me the jury's still out but I'm cautiously optimistic. There are some things I've seen about us that I like compared to last season, and some that I'm a bit wary about. The real tests are still to come though.
