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Liverpool’s record in the League Cup in it’s many different guises down the years is incredible. They’ve won the trophy on 10 occasions and their magic moments in days gone by have been plentiful. Not many though, can match the events at Wembley Stadium in the final week of February this year.

'Klopp’s Kids' managed to come up with the goods against all odds to win the first silverware of the season against a Chelsea side who looked like they had the game for the taking.

By that time of course, they knew that when it came to defending their title as Carabao Cup holders this season, there would be a 'new kid on the block' replacing the man who meant so much to so many.

Arne Slot has gone about his business so far in a calm and assured manner and what we’ve seen of Liverpool in the early weeks of the new campaign is a direct reflection of that.

There’s much more emphasis on defensive solidity and maintaining possession, but a style of play that is sometimes characterised by a more methodical approach to build-up play, can be altered in a flash.

Luis Diaz’s first goal against Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday is evidence of that. He spotted the potential for opportunity as Ibrahima Konate was preparing to hit that long, lofted pass from the back. He’d already lost his marker before Kepa Arrizabalaga over-committed himself with a manic movement towards the edge of the penalty area. Energy and awareness from Diaz then provided him with the clear cut chance to open the scoring.

Five wins from six matches tells its own story. Clean sheets in four of those games is another significant marker. Slot isn’t averse to his teams 'going-long' but it’s about making sure that they do it at the right moment.

Tonight’s game with West Ham at Anfield is also the first opportunity for the Reds manager to see a fair number of his players in competitive action with a Liver bird on their chest. Knocking on the head coach's door will only get you so far when you play for a team with the quality and depth that Liverpool have in their squad these days. So the onus is on the players to seize the day and show what they can bring to the team individually, but more importantly as part of the collective.

Apart from new signing Federico Chiesa, they’ve all proved that they’re capable of doing a really good job. Now they have to prove it once again.

Chiesa is still some way from being ready to play a full 90 minutes but tonight’s match can give a useful insight as to his progress. We all know what an excellent footballer he is, but the Premier League requires levels of fitness and durability that will be out of reach for him for a while given his injury record and lack of game time.

West Ham also come to Anfield with a new man at the managerial helm from when the two teams last met. Julen Lopetegui has managed at the very highest level and there will be no sense of panic from him despite his new team’s poor start to the season. Nevertheless, he’ll be unhappy that some of his footballing messages are not getting through. The manner in which the Hammers' defence was opened up by Chelsea on Saturday was the stuff of nightmares. One thing is for certain, he knows that his team face another massive challenge at Anfield.

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