Jim Boardman and Jay Reid return to discuss all things Red from Merseyside, as Arne Slot goes into his first international break as Liverpool boss with a 100% record and an unbreached defence.
The transfer window didn't go as well as many fans had hoped, with only one new signing available to Slot until at least January. Jay recalls Liverpool's new Sporting Director Richard Hughes talking about how the club would make opportunistic signings, which Jay agrees they have, but everyone is wondering where the rest of them are.
Not that anyone watching Liverpool's 3-0 demolition of old enemy Manchester United at their old place would have been thinking too much about the need for new signings. Slot was able to put out a side full of talent that embarrassed the hosts, a side that can only get better as it takes on more and more of Slot's ideas.
The worry for Jim is that as strong as LFC's first XI might be, it won't stay strong if it gets overused over the course of the season. Three weeks, three games, few changes, nine points, seven goals, not a bad start at all. But after this international break the football is back to thick and fast, a game every three or four days, broken only this side of Christmas by another two international breaks.
Some of those games are Champions League games, the Reds back in the big one, but this season sees the start of a bizarre new format that ditches the idea of playing a team home and away, at least for the first eight games apiece. As Jim says, it feels like calculators are going to be needed as the tournament unfolds, and Jay points out it just doesn't seem right that the entrants to the knockout phase won't be decided by Christmas any more.
Lots more to discuss this week, as well as finding time to spare a thought for the two sides who hate Liverpool most, neither of which will want to see the number three for a while.
As for Reds fans, well there's plenty to be happy about!
Dave Davis is joined by Ben Bocsak to run through the stats on:
• United victory with focus on Diaz and Gravenberch
• Salah and history
• International breaks and how we return
• Champions league draws and history against opponents
Dave Davis Runs through the big decisions on:
• Salah comments and contract concerns
• First XI now becoming clearer
• Slot: A perfect start?
• Gravenberch changing minds?
• Diaz: consistency in a newer role?
Darth hosts Si and Hamzah to review the big win at Old Trafford. The lads discuss:
Part 1) Match Analysis
• Lineups/gameplan - Liverpool
• Lineups/gameplan - Man United
• Match Summary: Possession, XG, XA, XT, Shots, Big Chances
• How we won the game inside 42 minutes
• Diaz output monster
• Salah involved in 6 of 7 pl goals
• How should LFC be playing in garbage time?
Part 2) Talking point: Ten Hag 3 years vs Slot 3 games
Part 3) Midfield deep-dive
• How do we see the MF roles after 3 games?
• Mac/Dom ever present. Grav only subbed 91 mins vs brentford. Any concerns?
• Control + threat + athleticism: how are we managing all 3?
• Team level outcomes so far
Statspack: https://drbarts.quarto.pub/match-day-3-season-2425/
Dave Davis is joined by David Lynch to discuss:
• Victory at Old Trafford
• Gravenberch, Diaz and Salah Masterclass
• Overall window thoughts
• Champions League Draw
• Contracts for the big three
On today's episode Dave looks at the LFC news & gossip, and reflects on the weekend as Liverpool eased by rivals Man United 3-0. He also looks at Mo Salah and his contract situation.
On the latest RAW of the new season, Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick and Hari Sethi discuss an exciting and controlled Liverpool performance as Arne Slot began continued his perfect start with a thoroughly deserved and comprehensive win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.