Sitting top of the Premier League having only lost one league match may not be panic stations just yet; however, it is clear that there are some bumps in the road that Arne Slot needs to navigate if Liverpool are to win back-to-back titles.
Following the loss to Crystal Palace last weekend, an underwhelming performance in the Champions League against Galatasary condemned the Reds to back-to-back defeats, something that will need to be rectified and fast.
Chelsea are the opponents on Saturday, and whilst they have players out injured and concerns over their own recent form, they will provide a stern test for Liverpool who will want to get the season back on track with a win in the capital.
This season was always going to be different from the last; new signings coming in meant Slot would more than certainly have to change his tactics and style of play to facilitate the likes of Florian Wirtz, as well as two new number 9’s in Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
In addition, while the league table makes for pleasant viewing with Liverpool still ahead of nearest rivals Arsenal, the concerning reality for Slot and the fans is that the performances have been nowhere near good enough.
One issue that Slot needs to address is the defence. Ibrahima Konate has been subject of criticism over his recent performances, whilst Milos Kerkez looks a shadow of the player he was at Bournemouth last season. It remains to be seen who is first choice right back out of Jeremie Frimpong or Connor Bradley – and following the season ending injury for Giovanni Leoni, it feels we are a Van Dijk injury away from a defensive crisis. Two clean sheets in the opening nine fixtures is hardly title winning form.
The more high profile issue for Slot is how to get the best out of Florian Wirtz. There is no doubt whatsoever that the German is a fantastic player who I believe is far too good not to flourish in this league. However it is clear he has struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League so far this season, looking a little lost and disjointed whilst he gets to grips with a new team in a new league. Operating as a number 10 also seems to be pushing Mo Salah deeper, meaning his performances have not been what we have come to expect from the Egyptian.
Having two new strikers who both see themselves as starting number 9’s may also provide a bit of a headache for Slot. Hugo Ekitike has hit the ground running since his move from Frankfurt and has quickly established himself as a fan favourite. However, with Alexander Isak getting back to match fitness, it is likely that the Swede will be favoured to start ahead of Ekitike over the coming weeks.
There is potential that they could be played together as a top two, as well as Ekitike operating from the left hand side if needs be. These are the options that Slot may have to consider going forward this season, with both players keen to impress at their new club.
It has often been said that a squad filled with such high profile players and strength in depth is a good headache to have for managers. This current Liverpool side feels more like a migraine for Arne Slot to try to overcome. It is vital that the performances improve and fast, starting with Saturdays clash with Chelsea. Either Slot will continue with the new tactics and formation hoping for improvement, or he will go back to the basics that proved so successful last season in winning him the title.
