Top Ten Factors that Defined Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League Title-Winning Campaign

Liverpool’s remarkable 2024/25 Premier League title triumph has captured the imagination of football fans around the world. Under the stewardship of head coach Arne Slot, the Reds defied the odds and delivered an unforgettable campaign. Slot’s reign, which began under the shadow of replacing Jurgen Klopp, blossomed into one of the club’s most successful seasons, culminating in their first league title in years.

From record-breaking starts to a resilient defence and memorable performances from key players, Liverpool’s journey to the top of English football was defined by a series of pivotal moments and decisions. In this article, we explore the top ten factors that helped define Liverpool’s victorious 2024/25 season.

1. Slot’s Record-Breaking Start to the Season

When Arne Slot took the reins at Liverpool, many wondered how the Dutchman would fare in the aftermath of Jurgen Klopp’s legendary tenure. The pressure was immense, and the task seemed monumental. However, Slot’s early performances left little doubt about his capabilities.

Winning his first three Premier League matches without conceding, Slot became only the third head coach to achieve such a feat, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson (Manchester City, 2007) and José Mourinho (Chelsea, 2004). Slot’s early success helped silence doubters, earning him the trust of both the players and fans.

“It’s nice to start this way, that’s clear,” Slot remarked in October. His rapid success laid the foundation for Liverpool’s title charge and gave the team the confidence to embark on what became a historic season.

2. Slot’s Tactical Masterstroke at Ipswich

A significant moment early in the season came during Slot’s first Premier League match, a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. The young Jarell Quansah was included in the starting XI, but Slot’s ruthless decision-making saw him replaced at halftime by Ibrahima Konate after a poor first half.

This tactical switch, though tough on Quansah, marked the beginning of a solid centre-back partnership between Virgil van Dijk and Konate, which became the bedrock of Liverpool’s defensive resilience throughout the season. As the campaign progressed, the pair’s consistency helped Liverpool boast one of the best defensive records in the Premier League.

3. Gravenberch’s Resurgence Under Slot

Ryan Gravenberch’s transformation under Slot was one of the standout stories of the season. Initially seen as a versatile midfielder, Gravenberch’s role was redefined by Slot, who saw the potential for him to fill the void left by Fabinho’s departure.

Gravenberch thrived in his new position, becoming one of Liverpool’s most reliable midfielders. His consistency, coupled with impressive statistics in key areas such as aerial duels, highlighted his growing importance. As one of the few ever-present starters, his contributions were integral to Liverpool’s success.

4. Mohamed Salah’s Spectacular Individual Season

When it comes to consistency and excellence in the Premier League, Mohamed Salah is a name that consistently rises to the top. In 2024/25, Salah produced arguably one of the greatest individual seasons in recent memory. At 33 years old, he defied expectations, contributing a staggering 28 goals and 18 assists, directly influencing 58% of Liverpool’s total goals.

His performance this season has placed him in rare company, as he became the only Premier League player with over 50% involvement in their team’s goals. Salah’s relentless drive and extraordinary performances were key to Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, further solidifying his legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats.

5. Kelleher’s Crucial Role as Backup Goalkeeper

While Alisson Becker is often regarded as the Premier League’s finest goalkeeper, Liverpool’s depth between the sticks played a vital role in their title success. Caoimhin Kelleher, the club’s second-choice goalkeeper, stepped up in a major way when Alisson was sidelined with a hamstring injury for 11 matches.

Kelleher’s remarkable performances helped Liverpool maintain momentum, with the Irishman keeping clean sheets against top-tier teams like Manchester City and RB Leipzig. His seamless transition into the starting role underlined the strength of Liverpool’s squad depth.

6. Hard-Fought Wins Against Chelsea and Arsenal

Liverpool’s title credentials were tested during tough encounters with Chelsea and Arsenal. The Blues arrived at Anfield in October with an impressive run of form, but Liverpool triumphed 2-1 despite not being at their best. “It was one of the games, maybe the only game, where I felt the other team was better than us,” Slot reflected after the win.

A few weeks later, the Reds were forced to dig deep once again, earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Arsenal, the side that would become their closest title rivals. Twice Liverpool fell behind, but resilient goals from Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah ensured the points were shared.

Slot’s men showed grit and determination in these key encounters, proving that they had the mentality to challenge for the crown.

7. Comeback Kings in November and December

Liverpool’s ability to turn games around when trailing was another crucial factor in their title pursuit. Against Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool recovered from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1, thanks to quick-fire goals from Cody Gakpo and Salah.

The Reds also showed resilience against Southampton, where they trailed 2-1 but Salah’s second-half brace sealed a 3-2 win. These victories were significant, as they helped Liverpool stay ahead in the title race during a challenging period.

8. Nunez’s Dramatic Late Goals Against Brentford

As the 2025 calendar year began, Liverpool experienced a rough patch, but Darwin Nunez’s late heroics at Brentford were a turning point. With the team struggling to break down Brentford, Nunez’s two stoppage-time goals earned Liverpool a much-needed 2-1 victory.

The significance of this win was not just the points, but the psychological impact on their rivals. Arsenal’s subsequent slip-up against Aston Villa left them six points adrift, giving Liverpool a vital cushion in the title race.

9. Liverpool’s Defining Five-Match Run in February

February proved to be a defining month for Liverpool as they navigated a series of tough fixtures. A shocking loss to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup was quickly followed by a crucial period of Premier League matches.

Despite setbacks like a last-gasp draw in the Merseyside derby against Everton, Liverpool showed their championship pedigree by earning crucial wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Newcastle. These results saw Liverpool extend their lead at the top to an unassailable 13 points, leaving the title in their grasp.

10. Van Dijk’s Vital Winner Against West Ham

As the Premier League title race neared its conclusion, Virgil van Dijk’s decisive header against West Ham proved to be the final piece of the puzzle. With Liverpool closing in on the title, Van Dijk’s crucial goal secured a 1-0 win, further distancing the Reds from Arsenal and solidifying their place at the summit.

Slot praised his captain’s leadership, with Van Dijk’s commanding presence at the back and ability to chip in with vital goals being integral to Liverpool’s campaign.

Read More: Arne Slot’s Journey: From An Underestimated Player to A Premier League Champion Coach With Liverpool

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