How defensive solidity is powering Liverpool’s title bid under Slot

It was clear at the end of last season that Liverpool needed to tighten things up defensively if they were to provide a strong challenge for the title.

They finished third, nine points behind winners Manchester City and seven behind second-place Arsenal, while the Reds had the worst defensive record of the top three, conceding seven more goals than City and 12 more than the Gunners.

So far this season, however, Arsenal have let in four more goals than Liverpool while City have conceded six more.

There is, of course, a long way to go but that is already an encouraging turnaround.

On the face of it, little appears to have changed at the back for the Reds.

The defence remains a familiar and experienced one with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Andy Robertson all starting when fit, while Ibrahima Konate is proving Slot’s favoured option to start alongside his captain at centre-back.

That centre-back pairing is flourishing. After the first seven games of last season Liverpool had faced 101 shots on goal, compared to just 64 this season, but Slot believes they offer more than just keeping out goals.

“They have been terrific throughout the whole season to now, not only in defending but the way they start our attacks in a good way,” he said.

“So many good things with the ball and also without the ball.”

Following the impressive 3-0 win against Manchester United last month, Robertson spoke about how there felt to be more control in defence under Slot.

“We look a bit more secure defensively,” he said after the Old Trafford victory.

“We had a lot more control in our game. A clean sheet is massive. To come away to your big rivals like Manchester United and keep a clean sheet is massive.”