Arne Slot says Liverpool can still do ‘special things’ ahead of Arsenal clash
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Arne Slot's Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions – although that sequence includes four draws and the Reds remain 14 points behind English Premier League leaders Arsenal, ahead of their clash at the Emirates Stadium on Jan 8.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LIVERPOOL – Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists his reigning English champions can still do “special things” this season, as they prepare to face English Premier League leaders Arsenal following a faltering start to their title defence.
Slot’s men head to the Emirates Stadium for the Jan 8 (Jan 9, Singapore time) clash in fourth place in the league table ahead of the midweek fixtures on Jan 7, but remain 14 points adrift of the Gunners.
However, following on from a run of nine defeats in 12 matches in all competitions, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine – although there were four draws in that sequence.
Those draws include a goal-less stalemate against Leeds United and a 2-2 share of the spoils with Fulham
“It is nine games unbeaten but we have definitely had two draws too many,” Slot told a pre-match press conference on Jan 7.
The Dutchman, who guided Liverpool to an impressive title triumph in his first season in charge at Anfield
“If everyone’s available and ready, then I think we can do special things.”
They certainly gave that impression earlier in the season when Liverpool beat Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield
“I think we’ve also shown that this season because we’ve got quite a lot of impressive wins, but we’ve also had unimpressive draws and losses,” said Slot.
“We haven’t had the consistency but we’ve already beaten some very good teams, so that tells you the talent is definitely there but the consistency isn’t.”
Those impressive victories included home successes against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, and a 5-1 romp away to Eintracht Frankfurt
But on the flip side, they have suffered three-goal defeats at home three times this season, against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.
“This club has shown so many times that when they don’t have the greatest form in the league, they are still able to win other trophies,” noted the 47-year-old.
“We just haven’t had consistency against the clubs where we would usually win, which adds to the fact that we are now 14 points behind Arsenal.”
They now face a renewed test of their form against the Gunners, with Arsenal bidding to be crowned champions of England for the first time in 22 years.
“There’s a lot of importance on this match because we still have a lot to play for in the Premier League,” said Slot.
“We are also in the FA Cup and the Champions League, which are knockout games and games where you face teams like Arsenal, so it will be a chance for us to see where we are in a one-off game.
“We are going up against a very, very good Arsenal team.”
The Dutchman said the daunting thing for his side is that Arsenal are the “complete package”.
“For that reason, in my opinion, they deserve to be on top this season.”
Slot sounded doubtful that he will have striker Hugo Ekitike for the clash against the Gunners, with the Frenchman yet to return to training following a hamstring issue.
Ekitike, who has eight league goals this season, missed the draw at Fulham due to what Slot described as a slight injury, and the Reds boss said time was running out for the forward to be ready as Liverpool face a quick turnaround.
Ekitike’s potential absence would be another blow for Slot, who is already without Alexander Isak due to a leg fracture and Mohamed Salah because of Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have “a point to prove” when they face Liverpool, manager Mikel Arteta said on Jan 7, as the north London club look to maintain their commanding advantage at the summit.
“We’re very excited. It’s a massive game against the champions... We have a point to prove, we’re going to have our crowd creating an amazing atmosphere,” the Spaniard told reporters.
“We are top of the table, we play at home against a really good opponent. We want to maintain our position. To do that, we’re going to have to be excellent throughout the game. That’s the point we have to prove.” AFP, REUTERS
