Two video games, two two-nil wins; Arne Slot‘s Liverpool are off to probably the most skilled of begins. A primary residence recreation offered loads of speaking factors.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Premier League (2), Anfield
August 25, 2024
Targets: Diaz 13’, Salah 70’
1. Anfield’s first impressions of Arne Slot
What would Slot deliver to his first residence recreation as Liverpool supervisor?
The primary noticeable distinction (and sure, sorry, comparisons are inevitable in these early weeks!) was that he was not out for the warm-ups as Jurgen Klopp was.
The Dutchman’s hands-on method to teaching in coaching has been commented on by gamers, however this doesn’t appear to increase to being out on the pitch pre-match.
Klopp was uncommon in that sense, although. Not many managers will likely be out watching the opposition heat up as Klopp did.
“From Bergentheim to Anfield, we’ve acquired your again Arne Slot” learn one banner close to the dugout within the moments earlier than kick-off, a reference to Slot’s residence city, making him really feel at residence.
His character was very a lot the one seen within the first recreation of the season at Ipswich and in pre-season.
He appears very relaxed, and the strain of the primary recreation in entrance of this large crowd didn’t get to him. A cushty 2-0 win helped.
“Arne Slot, na na, na na na na”, rang round Anfield in the direction of the top of the sport; a bit of wave in recognition in the direction of the Kop arrived from Slot. Understated appears his fashion.
It feels a bit too early and perhaps there must be one thing apart from a track that replaces Klopp’s identify with that of Slot, however it was a pleasant welcome.
There was a wave and a thumbs as much as the Kop from Slot post-match following this assured show from him and his staff.
2. Counter assaults are right here to remain
There was quite a lot of discuss throughout Slot’s first few months at Anfield that this staff can be extra composed, possession-based and fewer “heavy metallic” than the Klopp model of Liverpool – which they are going to be, however that doesn’t imply that counter assaults are a factor of the previous.
“It’s very elegant, Dutch fashion, it’s very good,” Harvey Elliott stated in pre-season. “The fashion of play is loads totally different. It’s extra about in possession now.”
None of that implies that counter-attacks and urgent will disappear, and the primary objective of the Slot period at Anfield was a chief demonstration that among the previous traits would stay.
Liverpool had all the time been a menace from opposition corners beneath Klopp, and the objective through that path to open the scoring towards Brentford, involving Jota and Diaz, was as medical as counter-attacks get.
Amid the variations, some familiarity naturally stays.
3. Trent may rating from a nook this season
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corners from the ins-winging facet for the right-footer have been constantly on course.
This might have been one thing Liverpool recognized as a ploy for this explicit opposition, however it’s one thing that could possibly be seen all through the season.
It appeared harmful, not solely that menace on objective from the cross itself, however the slightest contact from any participant, because it bends in the direction of objective will possible steer it previous the goalkeeper.
Aaron Briggs holds the title of first-team particular person growth coach however seems to be the lively member of employees when set items happen, stood up on the sideline for each set-piece, whether or not defensive or attacking.
Although Liverpool scored from an opposition set piece on this recreation, additionally they appeared harmful from their very own, particularly these in-swinging Trent corners.
One thing’s brewing.
4. Trent not completely satisfied to be subbed
Love you trent, however there isn’t a cause for appearing like this man pic.twitter.com/zlVPzz10OZ
— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) August 25, 2024
Perhaps Trent thought he had extra to provide and that a type of corners kicks may certainly discover the web, as he appeared irritated when he was subbed within the 72nd minute.
Conor Bradley changed him as Slot made positive he used all 5 of the subs obtainable.
The double act of Jota and Diaz may need felt they’d extra objectives in them too, however appeared amicable when changed by Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez concurrently the Trent sub.
Trent clearly expects to play each minute of each recreation, however with the rating at 2-0, gamers of his significance may be rested, even when they may not all the time agree with the choice.
The No.66 appeared irritated post-match too, gesturing to buddies within the Important Stand as he left the pitch.
5. Henry in the home as switch window closes
The 60,107 in attendance at Anfield was a brand new report residence league attendance.
A type of in attendance, Liverpool’s principal proprietor John W. Henry, was notably notable.
He’s normally right here for season openers anyway, however it all the time results in hypothesis that there will likely be some discussions across the finish of the switch window.
Despite the fact that Henry will depart choices round such issues to the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, it should however present ammunition for some extra switch rumours between now and the window closing this week.
It nonetheless appears like Liverpool want one or two reinforcements, particularly within the fabled “6” place, however they’d a full bench of first-team gamers, and the outcome confirmed this squad is already robust.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
