How Slot has tightened Liverpool’s defence – and is powering their title bid

Sir Alex Ferguson, who knows a thing or two about winning the Premier League, once said that “attack wins you games, defence wins you titles”.

He may have managed Liverpool’s greatest rival of the time Manchester United, but those are words that will feel encouraging to Reds fans right now.

Their side has effortlessly transitioned from the post-Jurgen Klopp era into Arne Slot’s reign and go into the international break top of the Premier League, with their fantastic start to the season having been built on the back of a near watertight defence.

Following Saturday’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, they have conceded the fewest goals after seven games with just two and have kept five clean sheets. 

While there is a long way to go, they are right where they want to be in the title fight.

“We keep going and we keep working,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said.

“We are never satisfied. Everyone is contributing to clean sheets.”

How does Slot’s Liverpool defence compare to Klopp’s?

Inevitably there will be comparisons with how Slot is standing up against Klopp’s record, given the success the German brought to Anfield.