This is how Arne Slot changed Liverpool's style and turned them into title contenders in just three months

Going into the 2024/25 English Premier League season, pundits predicted a straight shoot-out between Manchester City and back-to-back runners-up Arsenal. Some even tipped the Gunners to upset the Citizens, considering that the defending champions’ key players are getting older and physically weaker.

Though Liverpool finished third last season, few considered them among the title contenders this season, especially after their inspirational coach Jurgen Klopp bid them farewell. It was a supposed to be a season of major transition, with a top four finish the highest hope.

The underwhelming performance of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United meant that his Dutch counterpart, Arne Slot, coming from the Eredivisie, did not generate much hype around him to restore Liverpool’s glory, let alone make an immediate impact.

However, the former Feyenoord boss has quickly won over the Anfield faithful with how swiftly he’s imposed his style of play on a team so accustomed to the aggressive pressing of Klopp. The way Slot has Liverpool playing and winning, combined with the struggles of the two initial title favourites, means that the Reds can start dreaming of another Premier League title. Arsenal have lost their creative spark with Ødegaard’s injury, while Manchester City have struggled for wins following Rodri’s injury, The Euro 2024 winner being their best player in last season’s title-winning campaign. It’s no surprise that Liverpool are currently top of the league with 21 points, one more than Pep Guardiola’s City and four more than Arsenal.

Slot’s team boasts the best defence in the league, having conceded only three goals despite the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Alisson. Caoimhín Kelleher has stepped in between the sticks, while club captain Virgil van Dijk is back to his best. His central defence partner, Ibrahima Konaté, has found form, Trent Alexander-Arnold has improved defensively, and Andrew Robertson has been solid.

In midfield, Slot has changed Liverpool’s playing style. They build up play more methodically, with Ryan Gravenberch operating as the regista. Whoever partners with the former Bayern Munich player, be it Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister, has delivered. It’s surprising that Gravenberch, a player who wasn’t particularly highly rated by fans and the media, is now the fulcrum of this new Liverpool side. Despite their efforts to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the Spanish European Championship winner turned down a move to England, leaving Liverpool to make do with Gravenberch. Initially seen as a Bayern reject who struggled in his first Premier League season, he’s now thriving under Slot’s guidance.

In attack, Mohamed Salah continues to wreak havoc against opposing defences. Some doubted his ability as he aged, labelling him a “speed merchant” and predicting a decline, but the Egyptian has aged like fine wine. He has become a more refined winger, not only scoring but also creating chances. With 5 goals and 5 assists so far this season, only Cole Palmer (with 6 goals and 5 assists) has more goal contributions in the league.

Liverpool visit the Emirates this weekend, and a win against the Gunners would make a significant statement about their title ambitions. A victory would extend their lead to seven points over the preseason title favourites, solidifying their status as serious contenders.