Arne Slot’s subtle changes that suggest Liverpool boss is confident of title success

Anfield boss was even more bullish than normal when talking about his team’s performance in the draw at the City Ground and he is cutting an increasingly assured figure at the top of the table

If there is one thing that has characterised the early stages of Arne Slot’s Liverpool career, it has been his measured words after a match.

During games, he has lost his cool on more than one occasion – hence the three yellow cards – but Slot is a coach who avoids emotional highs and lows when reflecting on what has unfolded over 90-plus minutes.

But in the wake of a draw at a tumultuous City Ground, there was something slightly different about Slot. There was a glint in his eye. He was defiant. He was on the front foot. Unusually, he actually referenced the prospect of winning the Premier League.

“Our fans, our players and me, we want to win the league but we want the fans to come and see us and like what they see. We played some outstanding football.”

There was a subtle change in Slot’s messaging. Unprompted, he brought up criticism of performances against Manchester United in the Premier League and Spurs in the Carabao Cup.

He insisted his team deserved to win the game against United at Anfield, just as he insisted his team deserved more against Nottingham Forest. You can argue both points but what was clear is that the display at the City Ground was one that should convince any remaining doubters that Liverpool are champions-elect.

He would never say it, but it should have convinced Slot of exactly that. And perhaps that is why he talked up his team after a second consecutive Premier League draw.

Slot’s claim that – apart from the counter-attack that ended with Chris Wood putting Forest ahead in the first half – Liverpool dominated from the first minute until the last was a little unfair on the home side, who executed their game plan almost to perfection in the first half.

But after Diogo Jota’s dramatic intervention, Liverpool pummelled Forest and were only denied by keeper Matz Sels and some sensational defending. Liverpool will play a lot worse than they did at the City Ground and WIN games.

And it was NOT just his header that was significant about Jota’s cameo. He was outstanding and if Jota can stay fit for a decent spell, his presence will only underline Liverpool’s strength in depth.

Fitness and availability is such a key element of a title-winning squad and, right now, Slot is in the very fortunate position of having almost every player at his disposal. Game-changers Jota and Kostas Tsimikas came off a formidable Liverpool bench at Forest.

While it was never going to be seriously exploited by Forest, there is a slight defensive vulnerability about Liverpool, but Slot’s midfield and attacking options are, currently, the best in the Premier League. Jota once again showcased his scoring instincts and they will be crucial in the second half of the season as Liverpool fight on four fronts.

Winning all four is the tallest of orders but the performance at Forest – while only harvesting a point – was confirmation that Slot’s team are champions-elect. And the man himself looks like he is starting to believe it.

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