The year 2024 has been a monumental chapter in Liverpool Football Club’s illustrious history. Under Arne Slot’s guidance, the Reds have thrived, and with two upcoming Christmas fixtures—one at Anfield against Leicester City and another away to West Ham—they have the chance to cement their dominance. If successful, Liverpool will have both started and finished the year at the summit of English football, reigning supreme in the Premier League.
This year also marked an emotional farewell to Jürgen Klopp, who left countless memories and the Carabao Cup trophy behind. Arne Slot’s successor has surpassed expectations, winning 21 games, drawing 3, and suffering only one defeat in his first 25 matches across all competitions. After a commanding victory over Tottenham in London, Liverpool stands atop the league table this Christmas. As Sky commentator Peter Drury aptly put it, the Reds were “tearing it up in London Town.” Their fourth goal in the match showcased the blend of tradition and modernity that defines this Liverpool team.
Leading 3–1 against a disorganized Tottenham, the Reds threatened to score with every counterattack. The sequence for the fourth goal began with Andy Robertson’s vital tackle near Liverpool’s penalty area. He released Cody Gakpo, who surged forward through Tottenham’s hollow midfield. Joined by Mo Salah, Luis Díaz, and Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool formed an overwhelming five-on-three attack. Salah’s scrappy tap-in capped off the move, but the magic lay in the team’s relentless drive and breathtaking speed. It was a perfect fusion of Klopp’s high-octane style and Slot’s structured, energetic ethos.
Slot, ever the perfectionist, joked post-match about players who thought a 5–1 lead meant they could ease off. His desire for excellence, even after a dominant win, reflects a manager committed to getting the best from his team for the fans and city they represent.
Back to the match—a thrilling 6–3 demolition of Spurs!
The opening 40 minutes were some of the most dominant football Liverpool has played this season, leaving Tottenham helpless. Mo Salah came close to a hat-trick early on, hitting the crossbar before Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered an exquisite cross for Díaz’s headed opener in the 23rd minute. Díaz celebrated by “shining” Alexander-Arnold’s boot in a playful nod to yesteryear. Dominik Szoboszlai set up the second goal, continuing his run into the box and challenging for a loose ball that Alexis Mac Allister eventually tucked away. By halftime, Liverpool could easily have been 4 or 5 goals up, though they settled for a 2–1 lead due to a defensive lapse that gifted James Maddison a goal.
Early in the second half, Liverpool restored control. Szoboszlai’s header in midfield set up Salah, whose cool finish made it 3–1. Salah soon added another tap-in for 4–1, and his second goal not only extended the lead but also cemented his place as Liverpool’s fourth-highest scorer of all time. Cody Gakpo’s sharp passing and Szoboszlai’s relentless runs into the penalty area contributed to Liverpool’s dominance.
Although Tottenham scored two consolation goals late on, Liverpool’s sixth goal was another masterpiece. Diogo Jota fed Szoboszlai, who immediately found Salah. The Egyptian King spotted Díaz darting into the box, and the Colombian magician finished with a stunning right-footed strike into the far corner.
“It’s crazy. It’s fun. It’s six for Liverpool,” exclaimed Peter Drury, perfectly summing up the match.
With 39 points from a possible 48, Liverpool sits 4 points clear of Chelsea, 6 ahead of Arsenal, and a staggering 12 above a struggling Manchester City. With a game in hand, the Reds are firmly in control of their destiny. Slot, who emphasized wanting to be judged after 19 games, has already exceeded expectations. Assuming no slip-ups against Leicester City or West Ham, Liverpool will enter 2025 perched at the top of English football, ready to host Manchester United in early January.
For Liverpool fans, 2024 has been an unforgettable year. Against all odds, Arne Slot has revitalized the club, making believers of us all once again.
Arne’s Afterword
“Until 60, 65 minutes, I really, really, really enjoyed what I saw. Of course, we were caught one time in bringing the ball out from the back and that immediately led to a goal for Tottenham. You think if we would have gone into the dressing room with a 2–1, that would not have done justice to all the chances we had — that’s why I was quite happy with the fact that we scored the 3–1. Then 4–1, 5–1, incredible display. But then you also saw that no matter how much quality players have, if they think they don’t have to run anymore then in this league, especially against Tottenham because they are so good with the ball as well, they immediately start to create, and that’s what they did and they scored two goals. I was happy that the sixth one went in, to be fair”.
“You always prefer to be where we are at the moment than to be in another position in the league table. You know, just as well as I know because I’ve won the league once, how hard it is to win it. You have to keep on going, keep on going. Every three days you have to be on top of your game, every minute of the game. That’s why it is so hard to win it because it’s not always easy to show up every three or four days. We saw last week, in a moment you can get a red card — which was quite a debate afterwards, not by me but by other people — and these things can happen in a season. At Newcastle, at 3–2 up you expect to win it and there was a situation and we drop two points. That’s the Premier League. I didn’t expect Chelsea to drop points today as well, so it can happen in every game and that’s what makes this league so special. That’s why so many people want to see it and that’s why we play at Christmas time”.
