How Arne Slot’s Liverpool Stacks Up Against Klopp’s 2019/20 Title Winners

As Liverpool fans watched Arne Slot take charge at Anfield, there was understandable scepticism. The club had parted ways with the familiar stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, entering a period marked by uncertainty. Liverpool were taking a leap of faith on Slot, the former Feyenoord boss, at a time when the Premier League had already shown little mercy to Dutch coaches, as seen in Erik ten Hag’s struggles at Manchester United.

Yet, the initial doubts have quickly faded. Slot has impressed the Anfield faithful, not only with his composed and confident demeanour but with a tactical approach that has returned winning football to Liverpool. As the Reds find themselves solidly in the Premier League title race heading into the winter period, fans are starting to believe that a second league title in recent memory might be within reach. But how do Slot’s early results compare with Klopp’s monumental 2019/20 season?

League Position and Points Tally

Slot’s Liverpool side has shown an impressive start to the 2024/25 Premier League season. Sitting at the top of the table with 28 points after 11 games, the Reds have only dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal and a surprising 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. Their recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa pushed them five points clear, leaving Liverpool fans dreaming of another title under new management.

When Klopp’s 2019/20 team reached this point in their campaign, they had a slight edge. After 11 matches, Klopp’s Liverpool had amassed 31 points, having won ten games and drawn one, with only Manchester United at Old Trafford denying them a win. Coincidentally, Liverpool’s 11th game in that historic season also came against Aston Villa. In what turned out to be a pivotal match, the Reds clawed back from a goal down to snatch a 2-1 victory in the dying moments, thanks to goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane.

That last-minute triumph symbolised the belief that Klopp’s side carried through the season. The recent win over Villa has sparked a similar feeling among the Anfield faithful, hinting that Slot’s side may also have the resilience needed to mount a serious title challenge.

Evolution in Attacking and Defensive Approach

Slot’s approach to Liverpool has been characterised by greater control, a shift from the high-intensity, chaotic style under Klopp. The Dutchman’s tactical emphasis on defensive stability has paid off, with Liverpool conceding only six goals in their opening 11 matches and keeping six clean sheets – the highest in the league so far.

In attack, Slot’s Liverpool side has been reliable without necessarily overwhelming opponents. They’ve scored 21 goals in 11 games, averaging just under two goals per match. This steady production contrasts with Klopp’s 2019/20 team, which scored 26 goals by this point, showing their tendency to take more risks and push forward more aggressively. However, Klopp’s relentless approach also meant Liverpool’s defence was more vulnerable, with nine goals conceded and only two clean sheets in the opening stretch.

Slot’s more measured, possession-based approach might seem less exhilarating, but it could prove advantageous for Liverpool’s title ambitions. With a controlled style, Liverpool may be better equipped to navigate the gruelling demands of the Premier League season without suffering burnout in the final months, something that plagued Klopp’s team in seasons past.

Competitors and the League Landscape

When Liverpool last claimed the Premier League title in 2019/20, one major factor played in their favour: an uncharacteristic dip from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side, typically Liverpool’s fiercest competitor, stumbled that season, finishing 18 points adrift of the Reds. By Gameweek 11, City were already trailing by six points, despite boasting a superior goal difference. Leicester City emerged briefly as a contender, but City’s slip allowed Liverpool to seize control.

The competitive landscape in 2024/25 is surprisingly similar. Manchester City has made a subdued start by their high standards, now second in the league but five points behind Liverpool. Additionally, City will face the rest of the season without their midfield lynchpin, Rodri, due to injury. Arsenal, however, represents an added challenge this time around. With two consecutive second-place finishes, the Gunners have shown they’re ready to challenge for the title, even if their start to the season has been slightly uneven.

Slot’s Liverpool side, therefore, faces a more complex title race, with two formidable opponents likely to contest the Premier League summit. The added competition makes Liverpool’s stability and control under Slot all the more vital, as they prepare for what could be a tightly contested finish.

Challenges Ahead for Slot’s Liverpool

The title-winning Liverpool of 2019/20 overcame nearly every conceivable obstacle, from tight fixtures to the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Klopp’s side won 26 of their first 27 games, a historic run that ultimately paved the way for their title triumph. Slot’s Liverpool will encounter their own set of challenges, but the early indications are promising.

One criticism aimed at Slot’s Liverpool is that they have yet to face the league’s elite. However, recent results suggest otherwise. Victories against Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Aston Villa, as well as a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates, indicate that this team is more than capable of handling high-stakes games. These results have given Liverpool fans a reason to believe that they can rise to the occasion when facing tougher opponents.

Looking ahead, Slot’s Liverpool will face a demanding fixture list as they progress in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League. The strain of fighting on multiple fronts could test Liverpool’s depth in a way Klopp’s team didn’t experience in 2019/20. Klopp’s side exited domestic cup competitions early, allowing them to focus on the league. Additionally, a pivotal Gameweek 12 victory over City helped establish Liverpool as title favourites that season, a feat Slot’s team will aim to replicate.

Success against Manchester City and Arsenal in the upcoming Premier League clashes would provide Slot’s Liverpool with a significant advantage in the title race. However, competing for silverware on four fronts requires a careful balancing act. Slot will need to manage his squad intelligently to prevent fatigue and maintain the momentum they’ve built.

Slot’s Liverpool Poised for a Historic Season

Liverpool’s transition from Klopp’s intense, high-energy football to Slot’s more controlled approach has set the team up for a fresh chapter. The changes have reinvigorated Liverpool’s defence and provided a tactical foundation that could prove vital in a season where they are competing on multiple fronts. While Slot’s tactics are less thrilling than Klopp’s style, they offer stability, control, and resilience, qualities that could underpin a sustained title challenge.

Slot’s Liverpool has demonstrated impressive adaptability, successfully navigating early-season hurdles while maintaining an advantageous position atop the league table. As they enter the winter months, Liverpool supporters will be eager to see whether Slot can replicate Klopp’s historic success and deliver a second Premier League title.

If Slot’s Reds can continue their measured dominance, they might just achieve what many thought unlikely in the wake of Klopp’s departure: another title for Liverpool and a new era at Anfield.