Times‘ Jonathan Northcroft thought: “There was lively talk about “Slotball” before Anfield’s new dugout hero arrived, but Arne focused on the quality of Slot’s attacking ideas. Half of the speech was true because here is a coach who also instills the importance of defense.

“In a season where there are gaps in opponents’ games, this should come as no surprise Liverpool They are at the top because they are the most complete team in the competition. At the moment, Manchester City cannot defend, Arsenal cannot attack, but the Slot team can do both.

“There were three more points here, built on a clean sheet and combined with electric forward play. Still early days but Slot’s Liverpool look good the real deal.

“Aston Villa were very good. They competed, they pushed forward and they felt they too could have scored at least a goal or two, but that made Liverpool’s performance in not only holding off but beating them all the more impressive. And that’s why they are leaders, the most versatile team in the league.”

Joe Bernstein Daily Mail deep in thought: “This was Slot’s 15th win in 17 games since replacing the big team. Jurgen Klopp and is set to become the club’s first manager since Kenny Dalglish to lift the league title in his first season.

“He can’t punch the Kop like his predecessor, but the applause he received when he took the field full-time was still rousing.

“There’s no doubt the Dutchman likes his team to be more controlled than Klopp’s heavy metal, but he doesn’t sacrifice all the excitement and exuberance – especially when Liverpool are advancing like red arrows…

“Slot always said people should wait until they had a tough run of games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen and now Villa. Three wins and one draw show they are leaders the real deal.”

Chris Bascombe, Telegramwrote: “They’re not singing about winning the league at Anfield yet, but Jurgen’s believers are fast becoming Arne’s disciples.

“The only thing the Kop were missing in one of the most important first rounds of the title fight was a celebratory punch-up from their manager.

“Arne Slot appeared to have accepted full-time praise for his thoroughbred performance, leaving Aston Villa aside to complete the best seven days of the season by seizing the initiative in the latest championship clash with Manchester City and Arsenal. An era of management still in its infancy.

“The fans’ desire for the Dutchman to run towards them and choreograph another chorus was not successful this time, but it took him only three months to launch his serenades. Slot’s 15th win in 17 games continues a seamless Anfield transition and brings to mind Kevin Keegan handing over the number seven jersey to Kenny Dalglish.

“If this continues, it would be more optimistic to compare Slot replacing Klopp to Bob Paisley being followed by Joe Fagan, or Paisley being replaced by Bill Shankly.

“We must stop before we drive this caravan. Such a statement would need the biggest awards to be convincing, but it’s sure to enliven this stadium again, as if the first few months were the ‘getting to know each other’ period of a blossoming romance…

“But Liverpool remain a top class. The words ‘Liverpool are top of the league’ echoed around the stadium. Even they did not believe that the party would continue to recover so quickly after Klopp.”

GuardAndy Hunter said: “Whether it is 270 miles away from Brighton or in the comfort of Anfield, if there is any mistake Mohamed Salah will pounce.

“The Liverpool striker ensured Arne Slot’s side took full advantage of Manchester City’s late defeat and Aston Villa’s vulnerability to counter-attacks to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

“It’s early days, yes, but a 5-point advantage, 15 wins in 17 matches under the new coach and Salah’s sustained excellence have increased Liverpool’s confidence.

“From Liverpool’s perspective, an unforeseen benefit of the 8pm kick-off was that it allowed City’s latest defeat to be digested.

“The sense of anticipation at Anfield has increased ahead of kick-off. Liverpool’s players felt it too and started with the intensity that Slot felt was lacking from the start against both Brighton and Bayer Leverkusen.”

Meanwhile Richard Jolly Independent written down: “At the top Champions League Currently sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League, Arne Slot is a low-key appointment that has taken Liverpool to great heights.

“The 15th win in 17 matches consolidated a fantastic start for the Dutchman. Manchester City are currently second but are as close on points to eighth-placed Aston Villa as they are to Liverpool.

“And Villa chose the wrong moment to emulate City. Normally, being in the same form as Pep Guardiola’s team is an enviable achievement. Not now. That doesn’t mean Villa have suffered four defeats in a row either. Liverpool, where Unai Emery is strong took one of the supposed set pieces and turned it into a weakness.

“For the second game in a row, Slot chose his forward wisely. An unconventional choice by Luis Diaz paid off against Bayer Leverkusen as the Colombian scored the first hat-trick of his career. He duly returned to the left wing after Darwin Nunez scored the first goal against Villa and Mohamed Salah doubled the lead.

“He can judge his attackers by how fast they run back. But they are still a team that progresses at a certain pace. ‘Liverpool, top of the league’ rang out at Anfield in injury time. “Now it’s a matter of how long they can stay there and whether they can finish there.”

And finally, echoPaul Gorst wrote about his post-match verdict:: “Whisper it quietly, but Liverpool fans are starting to sense that something serious is afoot under Arne Slot’s management. And rightly so, as the Reds will spend the international break at the top of the Premier League and the five-point cushion will offer a hefty cushion for added comfort.”

“It’s no wonder Kop is chanting Slot’s name full-time; The new head coach has had a sensational few months on Merseyside and even in his most optimistic hopes it won’t go so smoothly…

“And if, from Liverpool’s perspective, further incentive was needed in top-level contract talks to reach a solution with Salah’s representatives, a banner unfurled on the Kop spoke a thousand words on behalf of the fanbase directly to club owners Fenway Sports Group.

“’FSG, he’s shooting, now give him his money’ was the message supporting Salah and the new celebration he started this term. With 10 goals and as many assists for the season, it’s hard to argue against a hugely lucrative extension offer, especially since his own manager believes Salah can emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi while retaining his status as the game’s leading light. He’s in his late 30s. Your movement, John W. Henry…

“Come out of the December run that featured Real Madrid, Manchester City. Everton“Alongside Newcastle United and Tottenham, in a similarly healthy situation, people will really start to not only dream but also believe.”