Former Liverpool defender and football pundit Mark Lawrenson has said that Arne Slot’s first season will be dubbed a “failure” if the Reds don’t win a trophy. 

The Dutch manager has had a strong start to life at Anfield as Liverpool sit on top of the Premier League table after seven games.

Following the international break, Slot’s team will face a game against Chelsea as they look to make it seven wins in a row in all competitions facing a Blues team who are unbeaten since their 2-0 loss to Manchester City on the opening day.

However, despite the strong start to the season, Mark Lawrenson believes that Slot’s first year could still be dubbed a failure should they not win silverware.

He told InstantCasino: “It’s always been the case at the club, you aim for everything and if you win one, that’s great, and if any more silverware is picked up then fantastic. He’s got the team and the squad to do it this season – he’s inherited a world class group of players from Jurgen Klopp with a winning mentality.

“If Liverpool don’t pick anything up this season I’d deem that a failure for them and Slot in his opening season as manager as well as finishing out of the top three in the league.

“I’d be surprised if they didn’t make top three though, as those three teams look to be quite far ahead of everyone else.”

Liverpool face a title battle against Arsenal and Manchester City

The past two seasons in the Premier League has been dominated by the narrative of Arsenal against Manchester City which is the case again this season.

However, considering how Liverpool have began the season, they could find themselves in a three-way title battle alongside the other two.

If the Reds are to beat Chelsea this weekend, then they could stamp their authority and prove to Arsenal and City that they belong at the top of the table.

When do the Reds face their title rivals?

The Reds have a very tough run of fixtures coming up as their next five league games include Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

They face the Gunners next weekend on Sunday 27 October at the Emirates Stadium which will be a real indicator as to where Arne Slot’s side sits compared to Arsenal.

Liverpool have to wait over a month to get their first crack at Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this season when they host City on Sunday 1 December.