Premier League reaction as leaders Liverpool pull clear & struggling Man Utd lose

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Arne Slot might have looked as if he was taking on the impossible job when he succeeded Klopp in the summer, but Liverpool’s appointment of the former Feyenoord coach looks more like a masterstroke with every passing week.

He has won 21 of his first 25 games in charge, the fastest any manager has reached such a figure in charge of a top-flight English club since William Suddell with Preston in 1888-89.

And with this latest spectacular triumph, it means this is only the third time in Liverpool’s history they have reached Christmas Day without being beaten away from home.

Slot’s calm demeanour and analytical, meticulous approach, differs from Klopp’s more emotion-driven style: low-key waves to Liverpool fans replacing the frantic fist pumps. The current team is a reflection of his personality. The league leaders still possess the attacking riches and threat of his predecessor but with the Dutchman’s tweaks adding greater composure.

Read more reaction from our chief football writer Phil McNulty.