Liverpool's Premier League title ambitions got off to a winning start with a pulsating 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. The goals flowed, the atmosphere crackled, and new signings offered glimpses of promise.
However, beneath the surface of the attacking fireworks, Arne Slot will have identified several key areas that require immediate attention as he seeks to mould this Liverpool side in his image.
While the Dutchman will have enjoyed seeing his side collect three points after going a goal behind early on, there's plenty of room for improvement, especially with the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United soon approaching on the fixture list.
Here's a look at the biggest challenges facing Slot this week.
Counter-attack conundrum: Defensive vulnerability exposed
One of the most glaring issues from the Bournemouth game was Liverpool's vulnerability to counter-attacks. This wasn't an isolated incident, either. It was a problem that reared its head twice against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield and on two occasions against the Cherries.
The manager himself has acknowledged this vulnerability in preseason, expressing concern about giving the ball away in dangerous areas and failing to adequately fill the space to prevent opposition counter-attacks.
Analysing Bournemouth's goals highlights the severity of the issue. For the first goal, six Liverpool players were ahead of the ball when possession was lost, leaving a gaping hole for Bournemouth to exploit in a 3v3 situation. This, arguably, is inexcusable for a team 2-0 up and in control of the game. A more measured approach, prioritising safer passes and a more robust defensive structure, is essential.
The second goal was even more alarming. Despite recently conceding to make it 2-1, eight Liverpool players were ahead of the ball, with the majority inside the Bournemouth box. This reckless abandon created another opportunity for the visitors to launch a devastating counter.
Considering Liverpool had the second-best record in the Premier League last season for fewest goals conceded on the counter (only two), this recent susceptibility raises serious questions. What's changed? How can Slot address this structural issue?
Gravenberch: The defensive anchor?
While tactical tweaks and a greater emphasis on defensive discipline are crucial, one player could hold the key to solving this problem: Ryan Gravenberch.
The Dutchman's average position last season was noticeably deeper than other midfielders. He is not afraid to sit and hold the midfield. This positional awareness and tactical intelligence could prove invaluable in shielding the defence and preventing those devastating counter-attacks.
Unlike some of his more attack-minded counterparts, Gravenberch is less likely to be caught too far forward when possession is lost. His natural instinct is to provide defensive cover, reading the game and anticipating potential breaks.
The statistics back this up: Gravenberch touched the ball in the opposition box just 28 times last season. Players like Mac Allister (63), Curtis Jones (64), and especially Szoboszlai (108) were far more advanced. This suggests that Gravenberch is capable of curbing his attacking instincts and prioritising defensive responsibility.
While Slot won't want to burden Gravenberch with the entire responsibility, his presence in midfield should bring a greater sense of stability and tactical awareness.
Individual accountability: Raising the performance level
Tactical adjustments aside, individual performances also need to improve. Against Bournemouth, a couple of players fell short of their expected standards.
Ibrahim Konate had a particularly disappointing game. He didn't win a single tackle, struggled in ground duels, and was virtually non-existent in aerial battles, a stark contrast to Virgil van Dijk, who dominated in the air. Konate looked shaky and uncomfortable, turning his back on the ball in the lead-up to Bournemouth's second goal.
While this isn't a cause for long-term concern – Konate was outstanding last season – he needs to rediscover his best form quickly, especially with a challenging fixture against Newcastle looming.
Miles Kerkez also looked nervous. He was nutmegged early on and struggled to recover, diving into tackles and ultimately earning a yellow card. Is this simply a case of needing time to settle in, or does Slot need to consider a change?
The parallels with Andy Robertson's arrival at Liverpool are striking. Robertson was initially given time to acclimatise before being integrated into the team.
Should Slot adopt a similar approach with Kerkez, perhaps starting Robertson against Newcastle to bring experience and stability to the left side of defence?
Attacking depth: A transfer window priority
Despite scoring four goals, Slot faces a potential headache in terms of attacking depth. Federico Chiesa's future remains uncertain. While reports say no serious offers have been made for the Italian, there's still time for that to change.
Losing Chiesa would leave Liverpool with limited options on the bench. Youngster Ben Doak is a promising talent but shouldn't be burdened with too much responsibility too soon. Harvey Elliot is also likely to leave before the window closes, leaving Liverpool light in attack.
The pursuit of Alexander Isak, therefore, becomes even more crucial. However, even if Isak arrives, keeping Chiesa should be a priority. His versatility, experience, and work ethic make him an invaluable asset to the squad. He is adored by the fans and behind the scenes, with staff and players alike having a high opinion of the winger.
Securing Isak and retaining Chiesa would significantly bolster Liverpool's attacking options, providing Slot with the depth and quality needed to compete on multiple fronts.
Positives to build on: The attack is electric
Despite the defensive concerns, there were plenty of positives to take from the Bournemouth game.
Liverpool's attack, despite numerous changes over the summer, looks electric. Scoring four goals, creating 10 shots on target, and generating 2.21 expected goals against a good Bournemouth side is an encouraging sign. The attack has looked lively from the first game of preseason and is undoubtedly a real strength of the team.
Wirtz deserves praise
New signing Florian Wirtz also deserves praise for his performance. The German played well in preseason and kept that up in the game against Bournemouth. Despite not getting a goal or assist, he created three chances (as many as anyone else) and covered a remarkable 11km.
The goals and assists will come. He is a huge positive for the Reds, and the fans are sure to see plenty of goal contributions from him in the future.
The road ahead
Arne Slot has a clear to-do list as he prepares Liverpool for a challenging run of fixtures. Addressing the defensive vulnerabilities, fine-tuning individual performances, and bolstering attacking depth are crucial steps in his quest to build a successful Liverpool team.
The Newcastle game, under the lights at St. James' Park, will be a stern test of Liverpool's progress. It will require mental strength, tactical discipline, and a collective effort to overcome what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere. But, with the right adjustments and a renewed focus, Liverpool can build on their winning start and continue to progress under their new manager.