MOVE OVER BILL, BOB, KENNY, AND JURGEN

Arne Slot has momentarily overshadowed Liverpool legends by delivering the best start of any manager in the club’s history. While the Dutchman humbly acknowledges the long road ahead if he’s to rank alongside the likes of Shankly, Paisley, Dalglish, and Klopp, his record of eight victories in the first nine games is a remarkable achievement.

“I hope I am remembered for more than that,” Slot remarked with a smile when informed of the milestone, crediting the foundation left by Klopp. “It says everything about what Jurgen left at this club. I am hoping to do more special things.”

Slot’s impact at Anfield is already evident, not just in the results but in the potential for even greater heights. His Liverpool side has dazzled opponents with its brilliance, though occasional vulnerabilities have surfaced. Bologna is not the first team this season to be outclassed by Liverpool’s excellence while still finding opportunities to expose some defensive frailties.

Liverpool’s performance against Bologna was, at times, mesmerising. Alexis Mac Allister capped off a stunning team goal, while Mohamed Salah slammed in a classic left-footed strike to secure his fifth consecutive Champions League goal at Anfield. This new-look Liverpool combines the finest elements of Klopp’s tenure with a more creative and flexible midfield. Yet, as Slot acknowledged, it was an incomplete performance. Goalkeeper Alisson was far busier than expected, keeping Liverpool ahead until Salah’s decisive strike with 15 minutes remaining.

“I do not know if there were many things I was delighted with apart from both goals,” Slot admitted, reflecting on a display that mixed moments of brilliance with lapses that left Bologna with lingering regrets. His tenure so far can be likened to serving fine wine alongside a couple of inexplicable cheap bottles, with the avoidable defeat to Nottingham Forest as the lone blemish amid a series of victories. Even in their best performances, there have been calls for more clinical finishing to match their dominance on the pitch.

Slot has been vocal about these demands for sharper finishing, noting an “unacceptable period of mediocrity” even in their win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. There have been moments when Liverpool have appeared so controlled and superior that they almost seem to take their foot off the gas, inviting opponents to play catch-up and inject some excitement into proceedings.

Such was the case against Bologna. For the first 20 minutes, Liverpool’s midfielders toyed with their Italian counterparts, orchestrating one-touch football that left Bologna chasing shadows. Mac Allister’s 11th-minute opener was the product of a dazzling move. Ryan Gravenberch showcased his dazzling skills, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz found that running at Bologna’s defense caused chaos. Mohamed Salah’s passing radar, however, was slightly off, leaving Darwin Nunez with fewer clear-cut chances, save for an offside flag that denied a well-timed run in the first half.

After their electric start, Liverpool’s tempo dropped, allowing Bologna to push forward. Dan Ndoye twice came agonizingly close to scoring, striking the crossbar and the post at the Kop end. The visitors didn’t find the net, but they left Anfield with a renewed sense of belief.

Labeling Liverpool’s lapse as arrogance or complacency would be overly simplistic. Slot’s messaging has left no room for such notions. A more plausible explanation is that Liverpool are still mastering the art of controlling games when they intentionally slow the pace. Alisson and his defenders often attempt to build patiently from the back, recognizing that sustaining the highest tempo for 90 minutes is unrealistic. However, when there’s jeopardy in the scoreline, this measured approach can lead to anxiety, spreading from the stands to the pitch.

This Liverpool side is at its best when playing at full throttle, and the potential of Slot’s squad suggests there is much more to come. Slot’s “Dutch evolution,” as described by a banner at the Kop, could lead to even greater success once the team strikes the right balance. For now, the dream start has laid a promising foundation for the new coach.