Let’s discuss how Arne Slot’s inaugural 2024–25 campaign compares with Liverpool’s top seasons of the decade, measuring trophies, points, and lasting historical impact.
Liverpool’s 2024–25 campaign under Arne Slot has produced one of the club’s most dominant starts in recent memory—only one defeat in 27 matches, 24 victories, 68 goals scored and 13 clean sheets in the first half of the season—placing the Reds firmly in title contention after Jürgen Klopp’s nine-year reign.
The defence this season has been as airtight as a durable cold wallet, conceding just 31 goals in 32 Premier League matches; an average of only 0.94 goals per game, and registering 14 clean sheets, the joint-best shutout tally in the division.
When measured against Liverpool’s standout seasons this decade—2018–19 (97 points and Champions League winners), 2019–20 (99-point Premier League title), and 2021–22 (domestic cup double), Slot’s inaugural year must be assessed on trophies, points haul, style, and significance.
Defining “Best Season” Criteria
To rank Liverpool’s standout campaigns, we consider four pillars:
- Silverware: Trophies won across the league, domestic cups, and Europe.
- League Performance: Points total, win percentage, goal difference.
Statistical Dominance: Goals scored, goals conceded, clean sheets. - Historical Significance: Ending droughts, record margins, and impact on fans.
Arne Slot’s First Season (2024–25)
Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool on June 1, 2024, marked the end of an era and the beginning of another. Following Jürgen Klopp’s departure after a trophy-laden nine-year tenure, Liverpool’s hierarchy conducted an exhaustive search before agreeing terms with Feyenoord for Slot’s services. The 45-year-old Dutchman signed a three-year contract and immediately pledged to “build on the momentum Jürgen created” in his first press conference.
Slot arrived with an impressive résumé. At Feyenoord, he won the Eredivisie in 2022–23, lifted the KNVB Cup in 2023–24, and guided the club to deep European runs, reaching the Europa Conference League final and Europa League quarter-final under his leadership.
His high-tempo, possession-based style closely mirrors the pressing ethos Klopp instilled, earning praise from Liverpool’s sporting director and securing Klopp’s public endorsement: “You’ll welcome the new manager like you welcomed me. Go all-in from day one,” Klopp urged fans in his farewell address.
Logistical challenges accompanied the switch—work permit delays for key Dutch backroom staff briefly threatened pre-season preparations—but Slot navigated these hurdles swiftly, ensuring his coaching team was in place ahead of the campaign kickoff. The message was clear: continuity of style and a seamless handover were top priorities as Liverpool sought to sustain its position among Europe’s elite.
- Premier League Campaign
Under Slot’s stewardship, Liverpool has been virtually untouchable in the Premier League. After 33 games, they’ve compiled a record of 24 wins, 7 draws, and just 2 losses, amassing 79 points, an average of 2.39 points per game, and sitting 13 points clear at the summit.
Offensively, the Reds lead the division with 75 goals scored, while their defense has conceded only 31, yielding a league-best goal difference of +44. That equates to an average of 2.31 goals for and just 0.97 goals against per match—figures that underscore their attacking verve and defensive solidity.
Several performances stand out: a six-game winning streak to launch the season; a 5–0 dismantling of West Ham United that showcased their ruthlessness; and a hard-fought 1–0 victory at Leicester City that effectively put them on the brink of the title, needing just one more win to seal Liverpool’s 20th English top-flight crown. Tactically, Slot’s evolution of the familiar 4-3-3—emphasizing rapid transitions, targeted pressing triggers, and inverted wide play—has unlocked Mohamed Salah’s scoring prowess (27 goals) and fostered breakout campaigns for younger recruits, blending Klopp’s legacy with Slot’s strategic stamp.
C. Cup Runs & Europe
- EFL Cup: Reached the final but fell short, finishing runners-up citeturn4view0.
- FA Cup: Exited in the fourth round after a 0–1 upset.
- UEFA Champions League: Topped a group featuring AC Milan and RB Leipzig before bowing out in the Round of 16.
D. Competitive Context
Liverpool leads Arsenal by 13 points with six fixtures remaining; a single slip by Arsenal or a win for the Reds would clinch their 20th top-flight title.
Benchmark Seasons This Decade
2018–19: Champions League Glory
- League: 97 points (38 matches: 30 W 7 D 1 L; 89 GF, 22 GA; GD +67), finished runners-up by a single point.
- Europe: With a 2–0 final win over Tottenham, the club claimed its sixth UEFA Champions League trophy.
- Historical note: Their 97-point haul was the highest total without winning the title then.
2019–20: Premier League Dominance
- League: Secured a record 99 points (38 M: 32 W 3 D 3 L; 85 GF, 33 GA; GD +52), lifting the Premier League with seven games to spare citeturn2view0turn5search0.
- Records: Set multiple Premier League records—most wins (32), biggest points gap (18 points ahead of Manchester City), and best start to a top-five European season citeturn5search4.
- Additional trophies: Added the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, completing an international treble.
2021–22: Domestic Cup Double
- League: Earned 92 points (38 M: 28 W 8 D 2 L; 94 GF, 26 GA; GD +68), finishing second to Manchester City by just one point.
- Cups: Won a record ninth EFL Cup and the FA Cup, both via penalty shootouts against Chelsea.
- Europe: Reached the Champions League final but lost 0–1 to Real Madrid.
Comparative Analysis & Ranking Methodology
We apply a weighted scoring model:
- Silverware weight (league title: 5 pts; European trophy: 4 pts; domestic cup: 2 pts).
- League performance (points and GD scaled to 10 pts).
- Statistical dominance (goals scored/conceded and clean sheets, 5 pts).
- Historical significance (ending droughts, record margins, 5 pts).
Fan and expert sentiment—drawn from pundit polls and social media engagement—also informs the final ranking.
Ranking the Seasons
- 2019–20 (Rated 24/25): Unparalleled league dominance and international treble.
- 2018–19 (22/25): Epic Champions League triumph and near-record league points.
- 2021–22 (18/25): Rare domestic cup double and near league success.
- 2024–25 (16/25, in progress): Exceptional league form and strong cup runs, pending title confirmation.
Implications & Future Outlook
- For Slot: A Premier League title would cement his legacy, validate FSG’s appointment, and influence transfer strategy for sustained success.
- For Liverpool: Transitioning from the Klopp era, the club must integrate fresh talent while preserving the tactical evolution initiated by Klopp.
- Broader Significance:
Liverpool’s ability to clinch the Premier League under a new manager highlights the club’s organizational resilience and adaptability, qualities that extend beyond football into commercial and community spheres
Success on the pitch fuels global brand momentum; recent marketing case studies show how on-field achievements boost merchandise sales, international sponsorships, and digital engagement metrics.
In this way, Slot’s potential triumph serves as a sporting milestone and a catalyst for Liverpool’s sustained growth and deepened connection with its global fanbase.
Conclusion
This decade, Arne Slot’s debut season ranks impressively among Liverpool’s elite campaigns. While it currently slots fourth in our rankings, securing the Premier League trophy would elevate it to a top-three finish, underscoring a seamless managerial handover and a promising new chapter at Anfield.
