LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP)— Arne Slot’s debut as Liverpool’s manager at Anfield couldn’t have commenced on a more promising note. The Dutchman led his team to a commanding 2-0 victory over Brentford in an English Premier League match on Sunday, with goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.
This win positions Liverpool alongside Manchester City, Arsenal, and Brighton as the only teams with maximum points from their opening two games of the new Premier League season. However, the real challenges are yet to come, starting with a visit to Manchester United next weekend.
Encouragingly for Slot, who succeeded the illustrious Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool has not conceded a goal thus far and has demonstrated a robust attacking lineup, prominently featuring Salah. The early indicators are positive for Slot’s tenure.
Reflecting on the team’s performance thus far, Slot commented, “Most players are quite used to what we want because it is not too different to what Jurgen did in the past. We still have to prove a lot against teams that can end up in the top six.” He is anticipated to bring a more possession-focused approach compared to Klopp’s system. Despite this shift, Liverpool’s first goal was reminiscent of Klopp’s style, featuring a rapid counter-attack.
The opening goal came in the 13th minute from a Brentford corner. Salah initiated the move, releasing Diogo Jota, who then timed his pass perfectly to Diaz, allowing him to power the ball into the top corner. The first half, however, showed only glimpses of the football Slot aims to implement.
Brentford, missing key player Ivan Toney who is expected to transfer before the deadline, were nonetheless a threat. They nearly equalized 10 minutes into the second half with a powerful header from Nathan Collins, which Alisson Becker expertly saved.
This near-miss rejuvenated Liverpool’s efforts. Moments later, Collins made a crucial block to prevent Jota from converting a low cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Another key defensive intervention came from Vitaly Janelt, preventing Salah from finishing a well-executed team move. Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, also made a spectacular save to deny Diaz’s powerful shot.
Eventually, Salah extended Liverpool’s lead with a clinical finish. Diaz provided the assist, and Salah’s perfectly timed run kept him onside before he chipped the ball over Flekken, securing the win.
Slot acknowledged the game’s dynamics, saying, “In the first half there is more energy in the other team, then in the second half it eventually leads to gaps that open up. In the end, Brentford didn’t have the legs anymore to defend us.”
In the closing stages, Anfield resonated with chants of Slot’s name — a tradition initiated by Klopp’s request during his farewell in May. Last season, Liverpool nearly gave Klopp a dream send-off by challenging City and Arsenal for the title, before fading in the final weeks.
Liverpool fans have expressed concern over the absence of new signings as the transfer window nears its end. Yet, the team appears well-equipped to contest City and Arsenal again for the title, potentially making it a three-horse race.
As Slot continues to shape Liverpool in his vision, supporters will hope that this promising start is the precursor to a successful season, bringing silverware back to Anfield.
