Everything’s the Best: Pop Quiz, Hot Shot(s)
Liverpool face their first real test of the season in the form of a derby match against Manchester United.
The start to the Arne Slot Era has been about as smooth as anyone could have hoped. Transfer dealings aside, Liverpool are - including the pre-season - undefeated under Arne Slot. Currently, they are in familiar company with Manchester City as the only teams with perfect records. If Liverpool want to match Pep Guardiola’s side and keep pace with the Citizens’ position on the table, then a win tomorrow is all that’s on the cards.
No big deal. But did I mention that tomorrow’s match was the derby and involved a trip to Old Trafford?
Liverpool have, generally, enjoyed their football over the past 5 seasons or so. Though, it must be noted that Ten Hag seemed to right the ship a little bit last year, holding the Reds to draws home and away, as well as knocking them out in the FA Cup Quarterfinals.
Even allowing for United looking a bit rickety over to start the season and with more than a fair few questions related to the quality of the squad as well as the direction of its football, it isn’t a stretch for Liverpool fans to walk into this match feeling a the charge and crackle of uncertainty in the air. The dropped points in their campaign thus far, of course, are owed to a stoppage time winner from incredibly feisty Brighton.
Which is to say that while derbies typically are steeped in the kind of familiarity that breeds intense contempt, both teams are in the midst of new projects and are still trying to find their identity in this new moment. We are, then, truly watching versions of both clubs that are, at present, wholly unfamiliar to each other.
Consider it an extra pinch of spice thrown into the lot for Sunday: England’s two most decorated clubs all time, existing a mere half hour drive apart from each other, somehow meeting in this moment and not really being able to recognize the other. In derbies, all bets are usually off. What does it mean when neither side resembles itself? Can a match like this really become more unpredictable?
Liverpool aim to be in contention for the title every year. If they want to do that - and take advantage of Arsenal’s slip-up against Bournemouth in the process - they’ll have to walk over to their most hated rival’s home ground, and come away with all three points.
Like I said, simple.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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