Coach Arne Slot still remembers very clearly the last two encounters with Tottenham Hotspur - matches that partly reflected the two extremes in his reign at Liverpool.
In the last time Spurs were guests at Anfield in April last season, Liverpool won a devastating 5-1 victory to officially win the Premier League title.
But the confrontation in London last December evoked another story - the story of what could have happened.
That was the goal created by two expensive contracts of Liverpool: Florian Wirtz assisted Alexander Isak to finish. The combination of two players worth 100 million and 125 million pounds respectively brought the moment expected to open a new era for Liverpool's attack.
But the joy quickly turned into worry when Isak broke his leg after a collision with Micky van de Ven. That was the Swedish striker's second goal for Liverpool in the Premier League, but it was also the last time he took the field before a long-term break.
In a way, The Kop has not even had time to remember Isak because they have not witnessed him play long enough. However, what they really lack is the sharp Isak version who once shone in Newcastle United's colors.
Slot admitted that the team has only seen Isak's peak form in about 20 minutes against Tottenham.
Losing Isak - our biggest signing - has had a huge impact. Look at the number of goals we have scored this season. That number is unbelievably low" - Slot admitted.
Liverpool's strikers currently only score a total of 27 goals in the Premier League this season - less than the number of goals Mohamed Salah scored alone last season.
Liverpool's chance conversion rate this season is only 7.6%, the sixth lowest in the league, while last season this number was 9.8%, the third highest in the whole league. Meanwhile, Isak once had a chance conversion rate of 19% last season and 21% last season.
Therefore, Slot believes that Isak's presence can make a big difference. "In most matches, we create more chances than opponents. But in football, a goal can change everything. If you have a top scorer playing for the whole season, it will definitely have a big impact," he said.
Liverpool once started the season promisingly when Isak started scoring and the team topped the league table. However, the "transformation" season that Slot mentioned did not go as expected, despite Liverpool spending up to 450 million pounds on new contracts.
We know that changing too many players can lead to a transition period. But I don't think the season will go like this" - the Dutch captain admitted.
In addition to Isak's injury, Liverpool is also affected by many other injuries in the squad.
Currently, the team that used to be at the top of the table when hosting Tottenham last season is only ranked sixth. "I think the rankings quite accurately reflect what we have done. With the way we play this season, it is difficult to say that we can compete with Arsenal" - Slot shared.
However, the Dutch strategist still believes that Liverpool will soon overcome the difficult period: "What we have done together here is very special. This is a great club to work with, with great people and fans always behind the team.
