Jurgen Klopp has been handed the considerable task of restoring Liverpool to their glory days, with the highly rated German coach taking over the reins at Anfield from the axed Brendan Rodgers.
The former Borussia Dortmund man oversaw his first game in charge at White Hart Lane on Saturday, with the Reds recording a 0-0 draw against Tottenham.
Both sides had chances to win the encounter, but Klopp admitted that he was satisfied with the result in the aftermath of the game.
Although Liverpool have a host of injury concerns currently, the performance will have instilled the travelling support with some optimism; here are three reasons why….
Klopp’s pressing game immediately apparent
In his time with Dortmund, the outspoken trainer enforced a high pressing line on his team with the ultimate aim of winning back possession in the opposition’s half and immediately attacking.
This ploy can be risky and drag players out of position, but it also has the potential to be the first line of defence and a scintillating attacking weapon.
For it to work, the players must work together and be committed to press the ball for 90 minutes, otherwise the tactic is defunct.
The initial signs that Liverpool can play this style of football are good, with the Reds outrunning their young opponents on Saturday and the team seemingly buying into their new manager’s ideals.
Mignolet eradicating inconstancy fears
Liverpool had chances of their own to win the game but will be grateful to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for ensuring that they did not lose it.
The Belgian goalkeeper has had an inconsistent time of it since moving to Anfield from Sunderland, with the stopper capable of inspired displays but also lapses in concentration.
Luckily for the visitors Mignolet’s showing at White Hart Lane was one showing just how good a shot-stopper he can be, with telling saves to deny the likes of Clinton N’jie and Harry Kane from breaking the deadlock.
If Liverpool are to progress under Klopp with the players at his disposal, the goalkeeper will need to continue to be a safe pair of hands and stamp out the silly errors that have blighted his time on Merseyside.
A clean sheet and improved defensive performance
The result meant that it was Liverpool’s first clean sheet in eight games, with Mignolet perhaps the hero but the back four also contributing to a stout rearguard effort.
Mamadou Sakho looks to be relishing a run back in the starting XI after beginning the campaign on the fringes, with his partnership with Martin Skrtel looking like Liverpool’s best at centre-half.
Nathaniel Clyne continues to impress down the right flank, while Alberto Moreno showed glimpses of why he was so highly regarded in his Sevilla days.
With Lucas Leiva also providing a resolute defensive shield in front of the back four, this clean sheet is something for Klopp to build on.
