Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes his team’s impressive defensive performances are a result of their ability to dominate most of the matches they play.
Since taking charge at Anfield, Slot has enjoyed a record-breaking start, winning 11 of his first 12 games in all competitions. He also made history by becoming the first manager in the club’s history to win his first six away matches after Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
The only blemish on Slot’s record is a surprising 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in September, but that match is notable as Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal is one of just three that Liverpool have conceded in the Premier League, giving them the best defensive record in the league.
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As Liverpool prepares to face Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, Slot expressed confidence in his team’s success so far. “There are two reasons why we don’t concede many goals,” he said at his pre-match press conference. “One is that we have dominated most games—almost all of them, except for one—controlling large parts of the match.
“Having possession helps in not conceding. Additionally, during tough phases of the game, like we experienced against Chelsea, the work rate is incredible in preventing goals.”
Slot highlighted the impact of having key defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ibou Konate, along with the performances of the two goalkeepers used thus far. “These three elements are probably why we haven’t conceded many goals.”
He also discussed the challenge of facing three consecutive away matches, with the upcoming trip to Arsenal sandwiched between games against RB Leipzig and Brighton & Hove Albion. “That’s part of our lives and something the players are used to. They’re familiar with these challenges from competing in the Champions League or, like last season, the Europa League.”
For the match against Arsenal, Slot noted they have three days to prepare, which is an improvement compared to their schedule before facing Leipzig. However, he acknowledged that they have one day less for recovery than their opponents in all three fixtures.
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back after suffering their first Premier League defeat of the season—a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, where William Saliba received a red card—while Slot’s Liverpool is coming off a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield.