Liverpool Football Club is experiencing a remarkable turnaround under the management of Arne Slot, who has led the team to unprecedented heights during the 2024-2025 Premier League season. The Reds recently secured their second consecutive victory over Manchester City, triumphing 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium. This victory marks the first time Liverpool has achieved a league double over City since Jurgen Klopp's initial season at the helm back in 2015-16.
With the win, Liverpool has surged to the top of the Premier League standings, currently boasting an impressive 11-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. The match saw the brilliant Mohamed Salah score his 30th goal of the season, demonstrating form reminiscent of his most prolific years. Salah’s opener not only emphasized his individual brilliance but also tied him with Kevin Phillips and Harry Kane for the record of the most away goals scored in a single Premier League season.
Reflecting on the team's aspirations, Salah shared his ambitions, saying, “We need another title. Me and the big guys in the team, we need another title.” His words resonate with both the current squad and long-term supporters who yearn for more silverware to accompany their storied legacy.
Arne Slot’s appointment as Liverpool head coach was considered challenging, succeeding the legendary Klopp, who had masterminded significant triumphs, including the Premier League and the Champions League. Many doubted whether Slot could maintain the momentum and culture of success established under Klopp. Yet, by prioritizing cohesion and development over overhaul, Slot has found ways to get the best out of his existing squad, much to the delight of fans and pundits alike.
Slot's strategic advantages have been apparent throughout the season. Despite managing the squad with minimal new player acquisitions—Federico Chiesa being the only significant signing—Slot has improved the performances of key players. Under his guidance, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have flourished, bringing dynamism to the midfield, and Salah has risen to historic heights, currently leading the league's scoring charts.
Discussing the team's current form, Slot remarked, “If you play away at the Etihad, if you win there it is always a big win, no matter what the league table looks like.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment within the Liverpool camp after achieving their first league win at the Etihad since Klopp's early days. He understands the significance of each point during the tense title race and maintains the urgency required to navigate the unpredictable nature of the Premier League.
While Liverpool's lead may appear formidable, Slot cautioned against complacency, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league. “It is hard to judge the league before every single game is played,” he said, acknowledging the challenges to come, including upcoming matches against resilient teams like Newcastle United.
Many analysts have praised Slot's approach, with former player and pundit Glenn Hoddle reflecting, “What he's done at Liverpool is a marvellous job.” Hoddle noted the restraint Slot has shown by avoiding extensive changes to the squad. His management philosophy appears to prioritize exploiting the current squad’s potential rather than seeking new players to fit his system.
The situation is especially poignant when considering the futures of longstanding club pillars—Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk—who are all out of contract this summer. The possibility of these foundational players departing has intensified the urgency for success this season.
Despite Liverpool's impressive campaign, the comparison to previous seasons under Klopp remains unavoidable. Klopp guided the club to near-miss seasons where they finished with record points totals yet came up short for the title. Slot's team may not match the past side's breathtaking tempo, but they are proving to be tactically astute and efficiently balanced across various areas of the field.
The current momentum, paired with Salah's incredible statistics—having scored and assisted consistently against formidable teams, including City—offers hope to Liverpool's supporters as the title race reaches its final stretch.
With the pressure mounting and aspirations high, the players recognize the stakes. Salah's urgency coupled with Slot's guidance could see Liverpool reclaim the Premier League title, offering redemption for their storied players still seeking silverware to secure their legacies.
The coming matches will be pivotal, and Liverpool's current squad is fully aware of the magnitude of their achievements, as well as the history they are building upon.
Looking onward, it is clear: the 2024-2025 season could represent a significant chapter in Liverpool’s illustrious history, one defined by resilience, determination, and the pursuit of glory—a season where Arne Slot could etch his name alongside football's greats.