Why Liverpool Are So Far Ahead of Every Other Premier League Team This Season
Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League this season is nothing short of remarkable. Sitting 13 points clear at the top, the Reds are well on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2019-20. Over the past few seasons, Liverpool has had to content with rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal nipping at their heels, but this year, under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, the team has surged ahead with a blend of individual brilliance and collective strength. The question on everyone’s lips is: Why are Liverpool so far ahead this time around, and what did Arne Slot do to achieve such success so quickly?
The Best Player: Mo Salah’s Phenomenal Impact
It would be remiss to start this discussion without highlighting the standout performance of Mo Salah. The Egyptian talisman has been far and away the best player in the Premier League this season, contributing to an astounding 64% of Liverpool’s goals (25 goals and 17 assists). He is on pace to join Thierry Henry as only the second footballer in Premier League history to achieve 20+ goals and assists in a single season. Despite some skepticism about his Expected Assists (xAssists) tally of 6.8, Salah’s ability to create big chances is undeniable. He has generated 21 big chances in the Premier League, matching Barcelona’s Raphinha for the most in Europe’s top 10 leagues. Salah’s striking efficiency is also notable; among 51 players with an Expected Goals (xG) total of 10 or more, he ranks sixth in efficiency (88th percentile). Overperforming his xG by 4.8 goals, he has scored 25 times, more than any other player in this elite group. Salah’s contributions have been instrumental in Liverpool’s pursuit of the title.
Leaning into Their Strengths: Strategic Positioning and Efficiency
Arne Slot, who took the reins just seven months ago, has demonstrated a keen understanding of his team’s strengths and how to maximize them. One of his strategic moves has been to position his three best shot-creating threats—Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—on the right side of the pitch. This alignment has paid off, with 36% of Liverpool’s chances coming from the right side and 35% from the center. The left side, where the aging Andrew Robertson operates, accounts for only 29% of the shots, reflecting a decline in usage. Slot’s tactical acumen has not only leveraged the strengths of his star players but also simplified the game. Teams closer to the goal have a higher chance of scoring, and Liverpool’s approach of taking more shots from closer ranges has been effective. They have the second-lowest average distance in shots and the second-highest percentage of shots taken inside the box, trailing only Brentford in both categories. This focus on efficiency, combined with the individual quality of the players, has resulted in Liverpool creating the most big chances in the Premier League this season: 110, 16 more than second-placed Chelsea.
The Anfield Factor: Home Ground Advantage
Home ground advantage is a crucial component of any team’s success, and Liverpool have harnessed this to perfection. The Reds hold the best home record in the league, leading by a comfortable four-point margin. At Anfield, they boast the best defense and the second-best attack in the Premier League. The atmosphere at Anfield, known for its intimidating and electric energy, has undoubtedly bolstered the team’s performance. Home crowds provide a significant psychological boost, and the passionate support of Liverpool fans has been a driving force behind the team’s formidable home record. Slot has capitalized on this by deploying tactics that play to the strengths of his players and the unique dynamics of playing at Anfield, creating a home fortress that few teams can breach.
Adaptability: Tactical Flexibility in Possession
Slot’s adaptability has been a key factor in Liverpool’s success. This season, the team has shown more tactical flexibility in terms of possession. In 28 matches of the 2024-25 Premier League, Liverpool has had less than 50% possession in eight of them. This is their highest number of such matches since the 2014-15 season, when they had 10 such games. Proportionally, they have had less possession than their opponents in 28.6% of their games this season, the most since 2013-14 when it happened in 28.9% of their matches (11 out of 38). Crucially, Liverpool has made the most of their time without the ball. They have won seven and drawn one of the eight matches where they had less possession. This tactical shift has been a significant departure from their previous style under Jurgen Klopp, who often emphasized maintaining high possession. Slot’s ability to adjust and thrive in various possession scenarios has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s gameplay, making them a more versatile and unpredictable team.
The Slot Revolution: Continuity and Innovation
The Slot revolution has not only maintained the high-intensity and dynamic style that Jurgen Klopp instilled over the past decade but has also introduced new elements that have further enhanced the team. Slot’s tactical adjustments, such as the strategic positioning of Salah, Szoboszlai, and Alexander-Arnold, and the emphasis on shot efficiency, have seamlessly integrated into the team’s established high-pressing and attacking football. The new manager has also brought a fresh mindset, encouraging adaptability and tactical flexibility. This blend of continuity and innovation has led to a cohesive and highly effective team. Slot’s impact is evident in the way Liverpool have dominated the league, both in terms of results and performance. His ability to quickly understand and enhance the strengths of his players has set the stage for what looks like an inevitable league title in his first attempt.
The Promising Future: A Title Within Reach
The current form and performance of Liverpool suggest that the league title is within their grasp. The 13-point lead is a substantial cushion, and with 10 games still to play, it would take a significant collapse for them to falter. Arne Slot’s early success has not only silenced critics but has also rekindled the hope and excitement of Liverpool fans who have been longing for a return to the summit of English football. The combination of individual brilliance, strategic positioning, shot efficiency, and home ground advantage has created a perfect storm for Liverpool. As the season progresses, the team will likely continue to refine and build upon their strengths, making the journey to the title both a thrilling and well-deserved one. The future looks bright for the Reds, and the Slot era is off to an incredibly promising start.
