Nine points from nine in the Champions League means that Arne Slot has matched Bill Shankly in winning his first three European fixtures. A 1-0 away victory in Germany, courtesy of a close range finish from the impressive Darwin Nunez, enough to defeat a toothless RB Lepzieg team.
Three changes from the victory over Chelsea, with Alexis Mac Alister, Nunez, and Kostas Tskimiskas all being given a run out, may have contributed to a sloppy start. Certainly, in the first 20 minutes, Liverpool were a little loose in and out of possession. Dominik Szoboszlai was particularly guilty of giving the ball away, whilst Mac Alister was booked for ‘diving’ by a referee, who not only was often in the way of play, but later missed a stonewall penalty on Darwin.
Fortunately Nunez, had already given his team the lead, hammering the ball home from no more than a yard out, following in a Mo Salah header. He had further opportunities, but former Liverpool goalkeeper, Gallici, made a smart save from a close range header, matching it a minute later to deny Virgil van Djik.
Liverpool should have been two-up early in the second half. A mix up in the Leipzig defence presenting Cody Gakpo with a chance he really should have buried. A two goal lead would certainly have led to a less nervy final 15 minutes when, once again, Liverpool became sloppy in possession. The introduction of Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez perhaps effecting them offensively, and Caoimhin Kelleher, excellent throughout, was forced to pull out a couple of smart saves to maintain a clean sheet.
Of course, there’ll be those who might point to two offside goals for Leipzig, but isn’t that more a measure of Liverpool’s defending? They kept their shape, maintained an accurate line, and continue to be very difficult to break down. There’ll also be those who’ll point to Liverpool’s relatively easy start to the season. However, to have won all but one game in all competitions as we approach November, is impressive by any measure.
A very special season might just be taking shape.
