Jürgen Klopp’s ‘Liverpool 2.0’ plan has already reduced the distance on Arsenal after a disastrous season in which Liverpool was abruptly eliminated from the Premier League title race.
Dominik Szoboszlai already looks to be one of Jurgen Klopp’s best signings at Liverpool
There were clear differences in quality between Liverpool and Arsenal last season, but now the signs are that Jurgen Klopp has brought the Reds back into the title race.
A revamped midfield has seen the club evolve in a single summer transfer window, which has seen a host of players move in, some more surprising than others.
Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are two of the few remaining, with the latter instrumental in the late goal of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Wolves, while Klopp was also able to bring on Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in just a few weeks.
This gave Liverpool the opportunity to once again become the main challenger to Manchester City, who lead the table with five points after their opening five matches, a feat achieved only by Arsenal last season.
But it hasn’t been very convincing so far.
Despite having the same number of points as Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s side looked less effective in their attacking performances.
As revealed by FBref, the Gunners are eighth in the xG (expected goals) table, although they have had an easier first five games than Liverpool, who played against two teams (Chelsea and Newcastle) and with the fewest xG goals conceded ranked in the top. five per game.
Despite the additions of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, it was the Reds’ smart moves that have already closed the gap.
No team has challenged Manchester City more than Liverpool during Pep Guardiola’s period of dominance, and the arrival of more billionaire owners in the Premier League is unlikely to change that.
While memorable, last season’s campaign may have been a much-needed wake-up call.
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In a year in which Arsenal looked more like a team managed by Klopp, the former BVB manager set about developing Liverpool’s midfield this summer.
In a hectic transfer window, Ryan Graven berch was the last of four new signings, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai already fan favorites and looking like two of the best signings of Klopp’s tenure, having already significantly improved the Reds last season.
Of course, teams can return to form at different stages of the season, but what has been most promising so far is how Liverpool have handled adversity in their matches.
Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté have missed games this season and it was Darwin Núñez who came to the rescue against Newcastle.
The Reds’ first-half performance against Wolves wasn’t great either, and that suggests the best is yet to come for Klopp’s side.
But whether the Gunners manage to draw again or not, Liverpool’s mentality monsters are already starting to awaken and Klopp’s version of ‘Liverpool 2.0’ is showing signs that the great title challenges of the past are about to come to an end. restart.
