Liverpool manager Arne Slot cautioned the Premier League table toppers against becoming complacent despite their comfortable position, citing Manchester City as an example of how the fortunes of any team can change overnight.
The Reds secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day. That result, coupled with more dropped points for Chelsea, extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points.
Despite orchestrating one of the most dominant starts ever to life in the Premier League as a manager, Slot is well aware of the realities of the game and how one little detail can turn the tides one way or another in football.
“If you are in this game for a long time, like these players are and I am, you know that you don’t look at it 20 games before the end,” Slot told reporters after Thursday’s win.
“There are so many challenges still ahead of you. A few months ago we were one point behind Manchester City and look at what has happened there. Injuries, suspensions, bad luck – it can happen to anybody.
“It is far too early to be celebrating. You have seen all these games and I don’t think there was an easy win. That tells you how difficult it is to win if all of your players are available. We just have to take it one game at a time.”
As regards Manchester City, it has to be said that Slot makes a valid point. The reigning champions enjoyed a 9-game unbeaten start in the Premier League this term but have now suffered 6 defeats in their last 9, leaving them in 7th place on the PL table.
Slot will be hoping his Liverpool side can avoid such calamitous fortunes as we head into the business end of the season. The Reds have gone on to win 11 of the last 20 PL campaigns during which they led the pack on Christmas Day.
Whether they can make it 12 from 21 at the end of this season remains to be seen. From the look of things though, there just may be nothing capable of denying Slot’s well-oiled red machines the Premier League crown this term.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
