LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) – Arne Slot continued his superb start as Liverpool manager with his team’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, their 10th win in their opening 11 games in all competitions, and the Dutchman was quick to praise his defence.
While former boss Juergen Klopp’s shoes once seemed nearly impossible to fill, many have pointed to Liverpool’s rock-solid rearguard under Slot that held strong against Chelsea in a win that kept Liverpool top of the table.
“We defended so strong through the whole team. There was incredible work rate,” Slot said.
His men have conceded only three goals in the league all season and remain on top of the table with 21 points after eight matches, one ahead of champions Manchester City.
Former England defender turned pundit Micah Richards said Slot had brought “a bit of calmness”.
“Defensively Liverpool look more solid. Under Juergen Klopp it was amazing to watch, but as defenders you could be exposed,” Richards said on Sky Sports. “The timing which defenders drop back and push up is a lot more balanced.”
Slot had downplayed his team’s sizzling start to the season, saying they had yet to face any teams near the top of the table.
Chelsea, who are sixth on 14 points, were the first in a gruelling stretch across all competitions against top opponents.
Slot was pleased to put seven points between Liverpool and the West London club.
“The better the teams you face the more you need it (fight),” he said. “In the Premier League there are so many good teams so if you want to win at least you need to fight and then hopefully the individuals can make the difference.
“It helps if you play against a Chelsea, it is a big game and everyone feels it. We felt it and the fans felt it because they were there for us today. We showed up, that was the most important thing.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was pleased with how his team played despite the loss.
“We don’t like to lose or drop points, we deserved something more but the performance was good,” he said.
“We controlled most of the game. We had chances, we had possession. We don’t like to lose, but if we have to choose this is the way. The team was brave on and off the ball.
“I don’t think this game defines where we are. We prepared in the best way, it worked quite well. You have to take chances, but overall I am very happy with the players.”
(Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Toby Davis)
