They are not singing about winning the league at Anfield yet, but Jurgen’s believers have rapidly become Arne’s disciples. On what might prove one of the most consequential early rounds in the title fight, all the Kop was missing was the celebratory fist pumps from their manager. Arne Slot looked like he might be tempted as he accepted the full-time acclaim for a thoroughbred performance to shrug aside Aston Villa, his side having seized the initiative in the latest championship tussle with Manchester City and Arsenal to complete the best seven days of a managerial era still in its infancy.
The supporters’ craving the Dutchman dashing towards them and choreographing another chorus were not successful this time, but it has taken just three months for him to prompt their serenades. Slot’s 15th win from 17 games continues a seamless Anfield transition putting one in mind of Kevin Keegan handing over his number seven jersey to Kenny Dalglish. If this continues the more optimistic will be comparing Slot replacing Klopp to Joe Fagan following Bob Paisley, or Paisley following Bill Shankly.
We must pause before driving that bandwagon. He will need the biggest trophies for such a statement to have credibility, but for sure he has this stadium stirring again, as if the first few months were a ‘getting to know each other period’ in a blossoming romance. The past ‘big week’ – as Slot acknowledged it has been – began in the second half against Brighton and Hove Albion.