Given Liverpool’s transfer window thus far, the guns-blazing look to the 4-2 Opening Day victory over Bournemouth is maybe not that surprising. Liverpool are, after all, integrating two brand new fullbacks, relatively thin at center-back, and still without a true deputy for Ryan Gravenberch at the 6.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Arne Slot has an absolute glut of top-tier options between Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Federico Chiesa. Waiting in the wings is, potentially, Alexander Isak.
One match is just one match, but watching Liverpool jump out to a two goal lead, get pinned back, and then manage to settle the affair on the strength of brilliant attacking play felt about par for the course in terms of what might be expected. We’re not really constructed, at present, to offer that stiff and uber controlled defensive performance from last season. But with the personnel on hand, we should like our chances on any given day to absolutely stretch opposing defenses.
[Arne Slot’s comments after the match](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/arne-slot-press-conference-bournemouth-win-jota-tributes-chiesa-and-more), seem to affirm that initial thinking. Referring to giving up the second Bournemouth goal, Slot had this to say.
> “The second goal, we are a team that likes to attack. We are a team that wants to score goals. Rest defence was in order the moment we lost the ball, we were two-v-one against their number nine, but instead of what Mo usually does, which is getting a cross in or getting a shot in, he squared it just behind.”
I was joking with friends ahead of the season opener that we might see some 5-2 scorelines in our future. I was half-joking and do have a lot of faith in Slot to figure out the right balance. But I am a fan of watching a team go out there and basically challenge the other side to outscore them.
It may not be good for the heart, especially against re-loaded rivals. But while the ride is happening, I do tend to enjoy it. Here’s hoping we have more of these types of experiences and less of those where we leave disappointed at dropped points.
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