Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League on Sunday evening with a 5-0 victory over West Ham. The Arne Slot revolution continues to send shockwaves through the football world, as the Reds secured their 14th win in 18 games, heading into the new year with an eight-point cushion at the summit.
While some initially claimed that any early success under Slot would merely reflect the legacy of Jurgen Klopp over the summer, the Dutchman has swiftly dispelled those notions. Despite signing just one player – fringe addition Federico Chiesa – Slot’s subtle adjustments have already made a significant impact, shaping Liverpool into a formidable force capable of ruling the country once again.
Luis Diaz was electric as Slot’s side swept past the Hammers, and while he was often deployed on the left wing under Klopp, his new role as a central forward has elevated his game to another level. Not only has Cody Gakpo thrived out wide, but Diaz looks sharper and more dangerous in front of goal, a testament to Slot’s immediate tactical influence.
Few at Anfield would dare find fault with the Klopp era – a time when doubters became believers and Liverpool rose to the pinnacle of European and domestic football. Yet, even the most cherished reigns are not without their blemishes. In Klopp’s final season, one lingering frustration was the mismanagement of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
Diaz, confined to the left wing, struggled to replicate the output of his predecessor Sadio Mane or match the goal-scoring prowess of his opposite number, Mohamed Salah. Meanwhile, Gakpo found himself shuffled awkwardly between striker and midfield, far from the role in which he thrives.
But with the arrival of Arne Slot, that misstep has been quietly but masterfully corrected. Slot’s tactical refinement has unlocked a new dimension in Liverpool’s attack – Gakpo now roams the left flank with the freedom to cut inside, mirroring his success with the Netherlands, while Diaz flourishes in a central role, finally boosting his goal tally. A subtle tweak, yet one that speaks volumes – the mark of a manager who understands the art of getting the best from his players.
This tactical shift tore their opponents apart over the weekend. Both of Klopp’s former underperformers found the back of the net, and Liverpool’s travelling supporters were treated to a wave of nostalgia, thanks to Diaz’s performance. His knack for picking up the ball from deep and surging through the heart of West Ham’s defence echoed memories of the 2021/22 season – a time when Sadio Mane was reinvented as a centre-forward and made the transition look effortless, too.
Across 90 minutes, the Colombian delivered an explosive, all-action performance – registering five shots, creating two clear-cut chances, completing 97% of his passes, and taking eight touches inside the opposition’s box.
The aftermath of the commanding victory was filled with widespread praise, particularly for Arne Slot, as social media lit up with compliments following Diaz’s positional switch. “How Slot has taken Diaz from someone you never felt comfortable with in front of goal to a genuinely very good finisher has been so good to watch,” one fan observed, capturing the essence of the transformation.
Another fan chimed in: “Luis Diaz now with 12 goals and 3 assists in 24 games. Not bad for someone we were told all summer had no end product,” highlighting the Colombian’s impressive turnaround. A third added: “Slot turning Diaz into a goalscoring number 9 needs to be talked about more.” A fourth also said: “Arne Slot with the same players as Klopp last season. Unbelievable job he has done.”
The key takeaway from Liverpool’s dominant performance on Sunday evening is that marginal gains can lead to tremendous growth. What’s even more encouraging is that, should Diaz ever have an off day, the Reds can call upon the likes of Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, and Diogo Jota from the bench.
With a clash against Manchester United looming, there’s little to suggest that the Colombian’s momentum will be slowed. Slot’s side remain focused on their goal of matching their arch-rivals with a 20th league title by the end of the season.
