Liverpool’s Defence Shines Under Arne Slot – Can It Hold Steady?

Liverpool’s defence has emerged as the early standout feature of their 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Much of the attention this season has focused on Arne Slot’s possession-based philosophy, but equally remarkable is their defensive record. With just two goals conceded in seven league games, Liverpool have the best defensive numbers in the league. That’s four fewer than Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, who have also been solid at the back.

But is this sustainable as the competition heats up? Credit for the original insight on Liverpool’s impressive defensive form goes to Andy Jones from The Athletic, who broke down the numbers and performances behind their success.

Impressive Defensive Stats

Liverpool’s defensive transformation is evident in their stats. Over their first 10 games across all competitions, they’ve conceded just four goals and kept six clean sheets. This marks a dramatic improvement from last season, where Liverpool kept the same number of clean sheets in their final 27 games. Slot’s men have also conceded just 64 shots in the Premier League, only marginally behind Tottenham and Manchester City, the only two sides with better figures.

Perhaps the most telling stat is Liverpool’s expected goals against (xGA), which sits at 5.2 across their opening seven matches, the lowest in the division. This metric shows that opponents are finding it increasingly hard to carve out quality chances against them. Trent Alexander-Arnold summed it up perfectly: “Defence wins championships,” following Liverpool’s dominant 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Consistency and Cohesion at the Back

Much of Liverpool’s defensive solidity comes from consistency in team selection. Virgil van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold have started every league and Champions League game, providing leadership and continuity. Ibrahima Konaté has also been a key figure since coming off the bench on the opening day, and Andy Robertson’s rotational partnership with Kostas Tsimikas has worked effectively. Together, they form a cohesive defensive unit.

Slot’s emphasis on winning individual duels has also paid off. Both Konaté and Van Dijk have been dominant in the air, with success rates of 86.2% and 73.2% respectively. Ryan Gravenberch, playing just ahead of the defence, has been equally influential in midfield, winning 64.1% of his duels and topping the charts in ball recoveries and interceptions.

The real shift, however, comes from Slot’s tactical tweaks. Liverpool’s defence is now more compact, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson playing in traditional full-back roles, and a deeper double pivot offering protection. This has enabled them to control games better, as Robertson pointed out: “We looked a bit more secure defensively and had a lot more control.”

Defensive Challenges Ahead

While the numbers are encouraging, there have been warning signs. Liverpool’s vulnerability to set-pieces and their occasional struggles when building from the back suggest there’s room for improvement. As Slot himself has noted, Liverpool have benefitted from favourable fixtures, and their resolve will be tested as they face tougher opposition in the coming weeks.

One concern is that Liverpool have occasionally been slow starters. In five of their last seven games, the opposition had the ball in the net before Liverpool. Fortunately for Slot’s side, four of those were ruled offside. This trend, however, could spell trouble against stronger teams that will punish such lapses.

Still, Liverpool’s solid defensive foundation is a strong platform to build on. As they continue to refine their play, their ability to maintain this defensive form will likely determine how far they can go this season.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans should be excited by what they’re seeing defensively under Arne Slot. After last season’s struggles, particularly when it came to conceding cheap goals, this feels like a return to the Liverpool of old, when Van Dijk and co. were nearly impenetrable.

What’s even more encouraging is the fact that Slot has achieved this transformation in such a short space of time. While some might point to the favourable fixtures, the best teams can only beat what’s in front of them, and Liverpool have done just that. The tactical adjustments, particularly in returning to more traditional full-back roles and introducing a double pivot, have given the defence the support it needed.

Of course, tougher tests await. But there’s a growing sense that Liverpool are ready to meet these challenges head-on. Fans will be hoping that the occasional slow start and vulnerability from set pieces are just teething issues that can be resolved as the season progresses.

If Liverpool can maintain this defensive discipline while also improving their attacking fluidity, there’s every reason to believe they’ll be serious contenders for silverware once again this season. After all, as Alexander-Arnold said, “defence wins championships” — and Liverpool’s defence looks capable of doing just that.