Liverpool have let historic season slip away but Arne Slot has still worked miracles

Liverpool have seen hopes of a quarduple crumble in the space of just a few months but the Premier League leaders still have reason to be optimistic after an impressive first season under Arne Slot

This time last week, Liverpool were favourites to win THREE trophies.

Now, six days on, Liverpool have only got one piece of silverware left in their sights. So, it begs the question: can winning the Premier League title ever feel disappointing? Or underwhelming?

Let’s face it. Liverpool have had a nightmare week. They crashed out of the Champions League on penalties after an epic last 16 tie with Paris Saint Germain. Then they were red-hot favourites to beat Newcastle and lift the Carabao Cup for what would have been a third time in four years.

That is some record. But Liverpool barely showed up at Wembley. Mo Salah was anonymous. They were overwhelmed in midfield. Vulnerable in defence. And, ultimately, second best.

Newcastle thoroughly deserved their win. They were the best team on the pitch. It was much closer against PSG. Liverpool staged a snatch-and-grab victory in Paris. But the second leg was so tight. I think PSG edged it over two legs but not by much.

Liverpool topped the new-look Champions League table format – and then got PSG. Arne Slot was right: that felt so unfair. Having said that, to win trophies you have to beat the best. And for so much of this season, Liverpool have been the best in the Premier League and in Europe.

They are now so far ahead in the title race, they could have put more energy into the Champions League – only to not even reach the quarter finals. That is why whatever happens next – and Liverpool are on course to win the title by double figures – will have a touch of disappointment.

What could have been a history-defining season will now go down as a remarkable season. A Treble of trophies of sorts goes down in legend. Yes, at the start of the season they would have bitten your hand off if you had offered them the Premier League title.

What are your thoughts on Arne Slot’s first season? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Salah has said numerous times that he set out this season to win the Premier League. Others have said similar. To win the Ballon d’Or maybe Salah had to win the Champions League as well.

But no-one should forget what the Premier League means for Liverpool. This will be only their second title in 35 years. And for Slot to do that in his first season in English football makes him, in my eyes, a miracle worker and the best manager in the Premier League. What an achievement.

Slot will only be the third Liverpool manager to win the title in his first season after Joe Fagan in 1984 and Kenny Dalglish in 1986. And they arguably inherited better squads. And Liverpool have lost just once in the Premier League.

His squad management has been sensational. Other clubs have looked on with great envy and fans keep saying: Liverpool have got lucky with injuries.

Luck? No chance. It’s genius. Slot has clearly listened to his medical staff, rested and rotated his players when necessary and been on a different level to every other club in the Premier League.

Let’s have it right. They have embarrassed every other big club in the top flight. They have made Arsenal look average by comparison. They smashed Manchester City at the Etihad. They have been the best team by far.

Slot has tapered down the training levels and got everything right while his rivals have overplayed and overtrained their stars. However, Liverpool’s dip has come just at the wrong time. Slot took exception to it being called “a dip” after they drew at Aston Villa and gave Arsenal a chance to get back in the race.

But the following weekend, Arsenal lost and Liverpool won at City. Liverpool have incredible staying power, quality and Slot has also had them playing good football. Not always spectacular – but efficient, top quality goals and incredibly consistent.

That’s the frustration. That they are the best team in Europe – but just ran out of steam when it mattered. They deserve to win more. But, ultimately, a title-winning season can never be a disappointment. Even if they could – and maybe should – have won more.

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