Dutch Master Slot's Artists Pass Muster

Reds on course for title after near-perfect 2024, 8 points clear and losing just once

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LONDON - Replacing Kop idol Jurgen Klopp at Anfield looked to many like mission impossible for Dutchman Arne Slot when he was named as the German's successor in May.

Now the appointment looks like a masterstroke halfway through his maiden English Premier League campaign.

Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United at the London Stadium on Dec 29 put Slot's side eight points clear of second-placed Nottingham Forest and 14 ahead of champions Manchester City.

They have lost just once in all competitions this season and Slot can look back on a near-perfect 2024.

His Feyenoord side were unbeaten from the turn of the year too when he left, as they finished runners-up to PSV Eindhoven.

The only team to get the better of Liverpool this season are Forest and the way Slot's side have ended 2024, a 20th title for the club now looks in their grasp.

"Compliments to Nottingham Forest. They were the one," Slot said after his side's rout of West Ham at the London Stadium.

While Slot inherited a high-quality squad and has not had to instigate a major rebuild, the tweaks he has made to Liverpool's style have put them in total control of the league.