Liverpool’s title defence began in dramatic fashion at Anfield, as Arne Slot’s side battled past Bournemouth in a 4-2 victory that was equal parts exhilarating and alarming.
For much of the evening, Anfield was alive with the kind of electricity that has defined Liverpool’s greatest nights.
Four different goalscorers proved a testament to the attacking variety Slot has encouraged during pre-season, with late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah sparking roars as loud as any heard at the ground in recent memory.
The Dutch coach could not have asked for a more emotionally charged reintroduction to Premier League football.
Yet, amid the euphoria of the reigning champions’ opening night win, concerns lingered. Slot inherited a team capable of blowing opponents away with offensive firepower, but defensive fragility remains a recurring theme that cannot be ignored.
Bournemouth, spirited and fearless, managed to pierce through Liverpool’s backline at key moments, with Antoine Semenyo pegging the hosts back during the second half.
The goals were symptomatic of deeper issues that had already surfaced during pre-season, where Liverpool conceded freely despite dominating possession and scoring at will.
Speaking in his weekly column, former Liverpool striker John Aldridge urged Slot to find a solution to the lapses in defence.
“The manager has plenty of training sessions to work on this now. He has to use that time wisely.
The team also needs to learn to be a bit more streetwise. They conceded too many needless free-kicks in dangerous areas and other teams will target that when they think it is an area they can exploit.”
Last season Liverpool occasionally relied on outscoring opponents rather than grinding out wins through defensive solidity. Slot’s arrival was meant to usher in a new tactical structure, but evidence suggests there is still significant work to be done in rebalancing the side.
What will trouble Slot most is the contrast with Liverpool’s direct rivals. Arsenal, who laid down a marker with a commanding win away at Manchester United on Sunday, look increasingly secure at the back.
Aldridge drew that comparison sharply.
“You look at Arsenal’s strengths – they obviously came away with a good win at Manchester United on Sunday – and they look so strong defensively. Clean sheets are vital in this league and you cannot go into every match thinking you might need three or four to come away with the win, so tightening up will be crucial.”
Arsenal’s defensive steel under Mikel Arteta, built on disciplined structure and consistency in selection, was the foundation of their sustained title challenge last season. Liverpool, by contrast, continue to give their opponents encouragement.
The Reds’ schedule hands Slot a brutal introduction, with an away trip to Newcastle United next up, followed by meetings with three of last season’s top five inside the opening eight matches. Factor in traditional rivals Everton and Manchester United, and the early weeks of the campaign could shape the narrative of Liverpool’s title defence.
Slot knows that building a sturdier defensive platform is non-negotiable. As Aldridge alluded to, Liverpool cannot rely on chaotic thrillers if they are to match Arsenal, Manchester City, and others over the course of a relentless season.
