Published: 07:00, 30 October 2025 | Updated: 07:00, 30 October 2025

This might be unchartered territory for Arne Slot but, with Liverpool, there is always a reference point – even when the roof is falling in.

Plenty will have wondered why Slot was content to play Russian Roulette with Liverpool’s chances of winning a trophy but he isn’t the first manager to spin the barrel at Anfield and, quite probably, he won’t be the last either.

It might have slipped your mind that Jurgen Klopp gave his blessing to what was effectively an Academy team being selected for an FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury. There was outrage, as Klopp and many of his senior players went on holiday. Liverpool, coached by Neil Critchley, won 1-0 against the odds. The joy was unbridled.

Assuming anything in football, then, is dangerous. Slot, certainly, would have bristled at the idea he had walked blindfolded into the bookmakers when choosing his line-up to combat Crystal Palace. The argument would have been the 11 starters featured internationals from Hungary, England, Scotland, Japan, Italy and Argentina, plus two promising teenagers.