Liverpool’s New Era Opens with Promise and Potholes

The Arne Slot era - now into its second chapter - opened this season under the arch of Wembley. This time, though, it came with the first wave of players truly signed in his image. The stage was set for a statement, but what unfolded felt more like a mixed rehearsal.

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A 2-2 draw followed by a penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace didn’t bring silverware, but it did bring some intriguing talking points.

This wasn’t a quiet bedding-in exercise. Four summer signings were handed their competitive debuts, and two of them in Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, made instant impressions on the scoresheet.

Florian Wirtz, the club’s record buy, sprinkled class across the midfield, while Milos Kerkez brought enthusiasm to the left flank. On paper, it’s the kind of debut day many managers would welcome. On the pitch, it was clear the machine still needs tuning.

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Defensive Gaps Exposed

Slot’s decision to refresh both full-back positions gave Liverpool a different attacking shape. Kerkez looked like a natural understudy to Andy Robertson, eager to drive forward.

Frimpong, however, operated in an even more aggressive lane-hugging role, which stretched Palace’s defence but also left Liverpool exposed in transition.

With Joe Gomez unavailable and no extra centre-back on the bench, Virgil van Dijk had to marshal a back line that felt short-handed. Palace needed only a handful of clear sights at goal to make them count, and that’s the kind of ruthlessness Liverpool can’t afford to invite once the league campaign begins.

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Wirtz: The Conductor in Red

If there was one performance Liverpool fans will talk about this week, it’s Florian Wirtz’s. Given the freedom to drift and dictate, the German international pulled the strings with composure that belied the occasion. His link-up play with Ekitike felt natural, and his decision-making was sharp.

Slot has clearly built a role for him that didn’t exist last season, which is a forward-thinking midfield driver. The question will be whether he can maintain that intensity over a full season. By the late stages at Wembley, the early sprints were catching up with him.

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Ekitike’s First Steps

A debut goal is always a good headline, and Ekitike took his chance well. The rest of his afternoon, though, was a blend of encouraging hold-up play and frustrating missed opportunities. Twice in the second half, he had chances to win the match outright but couldn’t apply the finishing touch.

Given how often Darwin Núñez’s finishing was debated last season, Liverpool fans will be hoping Ekitike sharpens quickly. The ongoing Alexander Isak rumours suggest Slot still sees room for reinforcement up front.

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The Midfield Puzzle

Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai kept things tidy, with Jones completing every pass he attempted, but the absence of Ryan Gravenberch and the reduced role for Alexis Mac Allister left Liverpool short of their best midfield balance.

It was a reminder that depth isn’t just about squad numbers, it’s about having your key connectors available.

Early Days, Early Lessons

The Community Shield rarely defines a season, but it can reveal the first cracks. Liverpool looked dangerous going forward, yet brittle when tested at the back.

Slot has inherited pace, energy, and new tools to work with - now comes the challenge of moulding them into a team that can defend as well as they attack. The ideas are clear. The execution will take time. And the Premier League doesn’t wait for anyone.