Liverpool’s performances have been on a rapid upward curve after a start under Arne Slot that was more solid than spectacular, but in the past week they have moved on to new, higher levels of performance.
If the emphatic manner in which Real Madrid were dismissed at Anfield on Wednesday was the biggest statement to that point, there is a strong argument that this was their best display yet under the studious Dutchman Slot.
Liverpool’s victories at the start of the season came accompanied by the constant caveat that true judgement could only be made when they met a higher standard of opposition. They have now – and their performances, along with the accompanying victories, have confirmed they are a force to be reckoned with domestically and in Europe.
The way in which Liverpool tore into City from the first whistle was reminiscent, and this is no slight on Slot, of the manner in which his predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s teams used to scent blood.
City, weakened and lacking confidence in this unprecedented poor run under Guardiola, were unable to cope, the only surprise being that they somehow survived 12 minutes until Gakpo was the grateful beneficiary of Salah’s genius.
Liverpool’s only concern was that they may pay the price for not taking the many opportunities that came their way, with keeper Ortega City’s hero, and even Salah missing a simple chance before making amends from the spot.
They were also solid defensively, with City only having two shots on target – Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher made his first save, from substitute Kevin de Bruyne, after 82 minutes.
Slot has now won 18 of 20 games in charge, his sole defeat coming at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The noise rolling down from the Anfield stands throughout the game, especially at the final whistle, merely adds to the feeling that this season could become something very special for Liverpool.
