Arne Slot is steadily creating Liverpool’s next great side — but he needs to overcome one major flaw

The post-match analysis and talking points felt rather muted in the wake of Liverpool’s Merseyside derby victory.

Perhaps it was the bleak weather that, literally, clouded the mood, or maybe that Saturday’s win over Everton was the early kick-off, and attention immediately turned to fixtures elsewhere, diluted the usual clamor for drawn-out reaction.

TNT Sports’ limited coverage didn’t help. The broadcaster couldn’t even find time to interview either manager live after the game.

More pertinently, Saturday’s meeting between the two arch rivals wasn’t a classic. There were no red cards, no VAR controversy, and, surprisingly for Liverpool this season, no late dramatic goal.

It all felt relatively straightforward, and even with Everton chasing an equalizer, Liverpool created the better chances in the final stages. In the end, it all felt mundane - Liverpool winning again, almost as a matter of routine.

That’s five from five now for the Reds. You can probably count on two hands how many sides in Premier League history have begun a campaign in such a tyrannical manner.

And you can almost certainly count with one finger how many teams have done it without really convincing.

That Liverpool has set the pace at the Premier League summit while failing to hit top stride makes the winning record even more impressive. The Reds have already beaten Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Bournemouth this season. None of those sides have lost another league game. Everton, too, arrived at Anfield unbeaten in four.

Yet the unwanted penchant for establishing early commanding leads and then allowing the opposition to regain a foothold in the game must be addressed.

In four of the five league and European matches this season, Liverpool has taken a two-goal lead, only to see that advantage chipped away. Against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid it was reduced altogether, with late goals required to salvage all three points.

At this stage, it’s not a coincidence. Liverpool is coasting through games, relaxing and failing to kill off the opponent. Even Slot admitted post-match on Saturday that his side is not controlling games throughout their duration.

“We didn't manage some moments really well. This was also the thing I said before the game.

“We have to understand a moment can change a game, no matter how well you play, no matter what you do, always fight for these moments. This is where we can improve a little bit.”

Slot acknowledged that fitness contributed to the sluggish second-half display, while he praised the performance of his players in the main. He may also point to the spells of dominance in the Atletico and Everton wins, which were lacking in the opening fixtures.

Those improvements may stem from Liverpool’s new signings, who are beginning to adapt to Slot’s methods. With eight senior arrivals in the window, perhaps it’s no surprise that performances have been a little disjointed.

But from those transfer dealings, it’s now evident that Slot has a greater pool of players he can rely on. Of the eight outfield substitutes against Everton, five have already started this season.

This week, the ex-Feyenoord boss admitted that a lack of rotation cost the team in the latter stages of last season. It’s already clear that players will be given greater rest periods this term — four changes on Saturday and three on Wednesday underline this policy shift.

Three different players have started at right-back since the international break, while the left-back and striker roles have been changed in the last two.

Unlike last season, Slot is tailoring his line-ups to opponents. Against Burnley, for instance, he used Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, knowing Liverpool would dominate possession. Atletico was also circled in the calendar for Alexander Isak’s bow, while Slot felt a battle-hardened midfield, used to the rigors of Premier League contests, was best suited for the derby.

As the dark nights begin to draw in, there’s a sense this side is steadily maturing. It's winning games, improving and boasts greater depth.

Given the success while evolving this season, when fully matured, Slot’s Liverpool 2.0 could prove unstoppable.