Seven Matches In: Iraola v Slot — Has Much Changed? Is It Too Early to Say?
Last season, as newly crowned Premier League champions, Slot’s Reds made an extraordinary start: seven wins from seven, scoring 16 goals and conceding eight.
His Liverpool looked controlled, efficient and remarkably settled.
Iraola’s first seven have been very different, but still encouraging: four wins, three draws and no defeats, with 12 goals scored and six conceded.
We’ve beaten Ipswich, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham and Bournemouth, while drawing with Newcastle, Forest and Fulham.
Those draws were disappointing, but perhaps understandable this early in Iraola’s reign.
RELATED: Slow Start Killer
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: YouTube / X (Formerly Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok / Patreon / BlueSky
Control vs. Resilience
Slot clearly accumulated more wins and scored more goals at the same stage.
But perhaps the biggest difference is the manner of the results.
Slot’s early Liverpool was about control; Iraola’s Liverpool have already had to show more resilience, coming from behind against Newcastle, Forest and Atletico.
There have still been some slow starts, but we’re seeing signs of change, notably better high pressing, greater intensity and a willingness to take more risks.
Interestingly, Iraola is the first Liverpool manager to remain unbeaten in his first five league games since Joe Fagan in 1983.
He is also making some strong, bold selections.
Just ask Gravenberch and Frimpong!
Better still, ask Jacquet, Gakpo, Nyoni and Koumas!
WATCH: Iraola vs. Slot
Seven Matches Tell Us Something — But Not Everything
Seven matches tell us very little about where Iraola’s Liverpool will finish.
But they are beginning to tell us how he wants to get there: with aggression, intensity and resilience.
Last season, far too often Slot’s side folded in the face of adversity. They earned only five points from losing positions across the entire Premier League season.
That already feels different.
SHOP THE AMERICAN SCOUSER COLLECTION TODAY
The Next Seven Will Tell Us a Lot More
Because there were warning signs even during Slot’s perfect seven-game start.
Liverpool conceded eight goals, surrendered two-goal leads against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Atletico, and repeatedly needed very late winners.
Eventually, the results caught up with the performances.
Slot went from seven wins out of seven to losing six of the next seven.
So now comes the real test for Iraola.
Slot’s second seven matches were spread across 33 calendar days.
Iraola’s next seven will be crammed into just 22.
A Much Tougher Test
And look at the opposition.
Five of those seven last season were against Premier League teams positioned in 3rd, 9th, 10th and 15th twice.
Liverpool’s next seven include Premier League opponents currently sitting 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 9th.
Seven matches. Twenty-two days. Top teams. Champions League. Carabao Cup.
So, let’s keep those high hopes in check while staying positive about what we’re beginning to see.
Latest American Scouser Podcast
Bored and Upset
Gally and Bickler discuss the Fulham match. Upset? Bored? Disappointed? Patient? Where is everyone at?
Because we believe in Iraola!
COYR. YNWA!