Slot’s Liverpool Start with a Win, But There’s Still Work to Be Done

After 22 years away from the Premier League, Ipswich Town’s return was a reality check as Arne Slot’s Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory in the first game of the post-Jurgen Klopp era. For an hour, Ipswich stood toe-to-toe with the Reds, reminding everyone why they’re back in the top flight. But as the game wore on, Liverpool’s superior quality shone through, with Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah delivering the decisive blows in quick succession.

Despite the win, this was far from a polished performance by Liverpool. Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord to take over from Klopp, has inherited a squad that looks like a work in progress. While there’s plenty of excitement about Slot’s arrival, there’s also concern among the Liverpool faithful over the lack of summer signings. In fact, Liverpool are the only team in Europe’s top five leagues yet to add to their squad, making this a familiar lineup with just a few tactical tweaks from the new boss.

For much of the first half, Liverpool looked disjointed. Passes lacked purpose, and attacks down the flanks failed to connect. Trent Alexander-Arnold, tasked with shifting between right-back and a defensive midfield role, saw his only effort fly over the bar just before the break. Meanwhile, Ipswich, playing with grit and determination, created the best chances of the half and looked dangerous on the counter.

But in the second half, Slot’s side finally found their rhythm. Patience and control, key tenets of the Dutchman’s philosophy, came into play as Liverpool cranked up the tempo. Suddenly, Ipswich couldn’t keep up. A pinpoint pass from Alexander-Arnold sliced through Ipswich’s defense, finding Salah, who set up Jota for the opening goal. Moments later, Salah doubled the lead after a slick exchange with Dominik Szoboszlai, putting the game beyond Ipswich’s reach.

This victory gave a glimpse of what Slot’s Liverpool could be, but it also highlighted the gaps that still need filling. Ryan Gravenberch, deployed as the holding midfielder, struggled to control the game, underlining the Reds’ need for reinforcements in that crucial position. After missing out on top target Martín Zubimendi, Liverpool remain without a true No. 6 – an essential piece in Slot’s tactical puzzle. It’s a situation that could force the club to accelerate their search for an alternative, but for now, they’re hesitant to buy for the sake of it.

On the other side, Ipswich’s fans can be proud of their team’s effort. This was always going to be a tough test, but their resilience showed why they’re back in the Premier League. With two more daunting fixtures ahead – including a trip to face Manchester City – manager Kieran McKenna knows the challenge is just beginning. But there’s enough spirit in this Ipswich side to suggest they won’t be easy pushovers this season.

For Slot, it was mission accomplished – a winning start in his Liverpool journey. But this performance was a clear reminder that there’s plenty of room for improvement as the new era unfolds at Anfield.