AAt this stage last season, Liverpool had lost once and were top of the Premier League. They scored 12 goals in their first three league games of 2024 to establish their credentials as title contenders before faltering in April and finishing third. They once again have an impressive platform, but January will test the consistency of Arne Slott’s side, with eight games in four competitions while rumors swirl in the background.
A dysfunctional Manchester United arrive on Sunday, 23 points behind Liverpool, desperately hoping they can find a way to halt a terrible run of performances against the best team in Europe. Anfield appear to be thriving after a brilliant start under Slott, but beating a top rival, even if they are in the doldrums, would lift the mood.
Sitting at the top puts extra pressure on Liverpool, and with transfer interest surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and others, maintaining focus and rhythm will be essential when there are four titles on the line. Alexander-Arnold has been aware of Real Madrid’s interest for some time, but has remained one of Liverpool’s most consistent players this season. “I have a lot of confidence in the players in every aspect of football,” Slott said. “Their mentality, their quality on the ball, their work rate. But for me, it’s not about getting over the line because there are still 20 games left and there’s still a long way to go.
However, no one at Liverpool is worried at the moment, nor should they be. Slott has suffered just one defeat in 90 minutes in 2024 in two jobs, and even the most optimistic United fans will not expect to return along the M62 with anything other than a harsh life lesson.
In December 2023, Liverpool hosted an underperforming Manchester United side. On that day, Jurgen Klopp’s side had 34 shots in a goalless draw against a resolute United who had Erik ten Hag on the bench. Given that Liverpool have scored 14 goals in their past three matches, it seems unlikely that they will lack composure when they inevitably create chances. Although Ten Hag was flawed, he showed more realism than Amorim has shown in recent weeks. Being more defensive-minded against the league’s top scorers would interfere with his strategic plans, making United an attractive opponent.
Liverpool’s only blemish was a defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, when they failed to break down a well-disciplined side who did not offer much room to maneuver in midfield – and that should not be a problem on Sunday. The team has rarely managed to overcome their rivals but the momentum is building after they beat Tottenham by six and beat West Ham by five goals at the end of December. A similar performance against United and revenge on Champions League-chasing Forest in their next Premier League match would further reduce Slot’s chances of winning the title in his first season since arriving from Feyenoord.
“If you have that lead in the Eredivisie, you are 90% sure of winning the league because it is almost impossible to lose to lower teams,” said Slott, who spoke on Friday when Liverpool were six points clear with a game in hand. “But this week we have seen Chelsea lost to Ipswich, it tells you that it is impossible to look forward that far. It is possible in the Eredivisie, but it is impossible here because there are a lot of good players and good teams so it is a good introduction – but it is not enough to be comfortable that is a nice way to say that.”
Slott was not given the 10 days off he was accustomed to when coaching in his home country, and instead experienced the harsh reality of the English schedule, which doesn’t stop with fireworks. Some might worry about that, but more games would allow Slot to rotate in and give minutes to Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Connor Bradley, who are needed after injuries. By the end of January, Slot may have a full complement at its individual and collective peaks, which should worry others.
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The prospect of navigating between the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League, and answering questions about focus for those facing an uncertain future, may seem like a complicated obstacle course, but Liverpool have shown they know how to maintain focus on football. If this continues, January could be the month that makes their season.