Liverpool ace tricky early tests under Slot

After demolishing an excellent Leverkusen side, Reds look like the real deal domestically and in Europe

- Andy Hunter

Arne Slot had asked for judgment to be reserved on Liverpool's potential until after the seven matches between the October and November international breaks. It's not jumping the gun to declare it serious after six of those.

Tuesday night at Anfield presented Xabi Alonso with an opportunity to demonstrate why the clamour for him to succeed Jurgen Klopp was more than an emotional call. But it was Slot's name that rang out after yet another victory and another reminder that, when it comes to succession planning, Michael Edwards, the chief executive of football at Fenway Sports Group and the man who appointed Richard Hughes as Liverpool sporting director, has few equals.

Slot wanted to see how Liverpool handled the dual demands of Champions League and Premier League football against higher-calibre opposition before passing comment on any title credentials. He may continue to refuse going down the hostage to fortune route, but his team have answered for him in the five wins and one draw that precede Aston Villa's visit to Anfield on Saturday.