Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes the Reds can close the gap on Manchester City by improving their away form. In Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge, the Reds finished third in the Premier League, nine points behind champions Manchester City.
It is worth mentioning that Liverpool actually won 1 point more at home than Man City. The difference between the two teams is away form. They both lost 3 away games but The Citizens won 5 more.
Liverpool lost at Goodison Park and drew at Old Trafford against Everton and Manchester United in crucial periods last season, so it is no surprise that Man City's superior away form has made the difference in the race.
Now, Slot wants Liverpool to improve their away form and believes this is a crucial factor.
"If we look at the statistics from last season, you will see a big gap of 10 points between Liverpool and Man City when playing away. The form of the two teams at home is similar.
"I think Liverpool have a lot to improve. That's why control of the game is so important. You have to control it when playing at home and away. That's also why I was not satisfied with the first 20 minutes in the match against Wolves," said the Dutch strategist.
Slot believes that the advantage in the stands always plays a big part in making away games more difficult. He wants his players to be quiet by controlling the game and not giving up chances.
"I think Liverpool's home and away games are quite similar. However, playing away is more difficult because the opposing fans will cheer very enthusiastically if their team has a chance. Therefore, they will be more confident.
You play with the same players (as you do at home) but they have more confidence from the fans. That makes it a little more difficult to win away. But there are also many home games that are quite intense and our fans make the difference," Slot added.
Liverpool will be determined to maintain their top spot when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the earliest match of round 7 of the Premier League.
The Reds have made a brilliant start under Slot, winning five of their opening six Premier League games. A 2-1 win over Wolves, coupled with Man City's draw with Newcastle, has seen Liverpool move to the top of the table.
Their form was further bolstered by a convincing 2-0 win over Bologna in the Champions League in midweek.
The match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool takes place at 6:30 p.m. on October 5 (Vietnam time).
