At 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 prove their credentials as title challengers before faltering in April and finishing third. They again have an impressive platform but January will test the fortitude of Arne Slot’s side, with eight games in four competitions while the rumour mill churns in the background.
A dysfunctional Manchester United arrive on Sunday, 23 points behind Liverpool, desperately hoping that against arguably Europe’s best side they can find a way to halt their run of atrocious performances. Anfield is buoyant after a superb start under Slot but beating a great rival, even one in the doldrums, would take the mood even higher.
Sitting at the summit brings additional pressure to Liverpool and, with the transfer interest surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and others, keeping focus and rhythm will be imperative when four trophies are at stake. Alexander-Arnold has known about Real Madrid’s interest for a while but has remained one of Liverpool’s most consistent players this season. “I have a lot of trust in the players in every aspect of football,” Slot said. “Their mentality, their quality on the ball, their work rate. But for me it’s not about bringing it over the line because there are 20 games still left and it is still a long way to go.”
No one at Liverpool is concerned at the moment, however, and nor should they be. Slot suffered one defeat in 90 minutes in 2024 across two jobs, and even the most optimistic United fans would not anticipate heading back along the M62 with anything other than a tough life lesson.
In December 2023 Liverpool hosted an underperforming Manchester United. That day Jürgen Klopp’s side produced 34 shots in a goalless draw against a resolute United who had Erik ten Hag in the dugout. Considering Liverpool have scored 14 times in their past three outings, it seems unlikely they will lack composure when they inevitably create chances. Although Ten Hag was flawed he offered greater pragmatism than Amorim has shown in recent weeks; being more defensively minded against the league’s top scorers would go against his strategic plans, making United an enticing opponent.
The only blemish for Liverpool was a home defeat by Nottingham Forest, when they failed to break down a well-disciplined side who offered little space to manoeuvre in midfield – and that should not be an issue on Sunday. They have rarely steamrollered opponents but momentum is growing after they hit Tottenham for six and brushed aside West Ham by a five-goal margin at the end of December. A similar performance against United and gaining retribution against Champions League-chasing Forest in their next Premier League match would shorten the odds on Slot winning the title in his first season since arriving from Feyenoord.
Slot, speaking on Friday when Liverpool led by six points with a game in hand, said: “If you have this lead in the Eredivisie, you are 90% sure to win the league because it is nearly impossible to lose against the lower teams. But this week we have seen Chelsea lose against Ipswich, so that tells you it is impossible to look so far ahead. It is possible in the Eredivisie, but impossible here because there are so many good players and good teams. So it is a good lead – but it’s not enough to be comfortable. That’s a nice way to say it.”
Slot was not afforded the 10-day holiday he was accustomed to when managing in his homeland, instead experiencing the relentless reality of the English schedule, which does not stop with the fireworks. Some might worry about it but more matches will allow Slot to rotate and give minutes to Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley, who require them after injury. By the end of January, Slot could have a full complement at their individual and collective peaks, which should worry others.
The prospect of flitting between the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League, fielding questions in between about the concentration of those facing uncertain futures, might seem like a complex obstacle course but Liverpool have shown they know how to keep the focus on the football. If that continues, January could be the month that makes their season.
