Arne Slot is enjoying a blistering start to his tenure as Liverpool manager. The Reds sit second spot in both the Premier League and the Champions League, with only goal difference between them and the top spot. Despite inheriting a strong team from his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, many will be surprised at just how strongly Slot has begun his Liverpool career. Many expected a decline as seen at rivals Manchester United, who are still yet to emulate the successes of Sir Alex Ferguson with eight unsuccessful managers since his retirement.

Liverpool’s hard-earned 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Sunday continued Slot’s strong start to the season. They came back twice to gain an important point in the title-race (despite it only being October). This result meant that Liverpool have lost only once this season, in a surprising defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Eleven victories out of thirteen in all competitions is a record any manager would be happy with. This is even more impressive when considering Slot is still adjusting to the Premier League. The successful start has broken records at the club. This Liverpool team became the first ever to win their first six away games of a season.

This includes a 3-0 victory against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Claims of an ‘easy start’ to the season have been disputed by Slot – victories against Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan and RB Leipzig so far this season act as good evidence to back that up.

What has changed under Slot to achieve such a successful start to the season?

While Liverpool fans were heartbroken when Jurgen Klopp announced he was leaving the club in January this year, it would be hard for any to be critical of his replacement. Slot’s football can be seen as much more controlled. This is evident with the strong defensive displays shown so far resulting in seven clean sheets from thirteen games this season (with seven goals conceded). This improvement defensively, tied with impressive starts from Liverpool’s attackers, have contributed to Liverpool’s near-perfect beginning to the season and Slot’s tenure.

Liverpool’s electric start has been helped by Mo Salah, who, on Sunday, joined Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler in eighth place on the Premier League’s all-time goal scorers list with 173 goals. As one of Klopp’s brightest sparks, it was clear that, for Slot to have any hope of mirroring Klopp’s success, he would need Liverpool’s attacking talisman to continue his fine form – and he has done just that.

Importantly, Slot has not solely relied on Klopp’s superstars. The Netherlands’ Ryan Gravenberch has been the biggest beneficiary of new management, becoming one of Liverpool’s biggest successes of the season so far. Strong and composed performances in the number six position, which controversially had not been an area of improvement in the summer transfer window, has meant that the midfielder has cemented his place as one of the first names on the team sheet. It is this blend of old stars and unlocked talent that has made Slot’s start successful.

What’s Next for Slot?

More tough tests are to come for Slot, with Aston Villa, Manchester City and Real Madrid all visiting Anfield in the coming weeks. This is as well as a Merseyside Derby across Stanley Park and trips to Newcastle and Tottenham before Christmas. These will show the real strength of Slot’s squad management and will prove vital to their dreams of success this season. While it is only the beginning of this new era at Anfield, it is important not to underestimate the work done by Slot. Many pundits considered Liverpool out of the title race before the season started. Yet, in second place and four points ahead of third-placed Arsenal, it would not be wise to rule Liverpool out from silverware this season.

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