After Liverpool defeated Manchester City on Sunday to take a crucial step towards the title, Arne Slot admitted being 11 points clear of Arsenal places them in a “good position” become champions.
First-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai were enough to lengthen their lead, though Mikel Arteta’s side have played one game fewer than the Merseyside club. Slot was asked if it is now Liverpool’s championship to throw away.
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“You can ask every single question you want,” the manager said. “But it is so hard to judge the league table before every game is played. In my opinion, [Aston] Villa and City away are two very difficult games so you can drop points there.
We are in a good position but we also know how hard it is to play against Wolves [a nervy win]. Now we play Newcastle on Wednesday, who we drew 3-3 with [the reverse fixture]. In every other league, having a lead like this would be comfortable.
“Three days ago we had a draw at Villa and people told me we weren’t in a good place and then three days later we win and it changes again. We work every single day to achieve this and it is three months of very hard work to maintain this. There is no secret. We are 11 points clear but Arsenal has one game in hand.”
Salah now has 30 goals and 21 assists in all competitions, and Andy Roberston praised the forward. “He is on a different world right now and playing out of his skin,” the left-back said.
Salah was asked if at 32 he is a better player than ever. “Maybe people prefer my first seasons or now but I prefer now because winning the league, helping the young players, it is special,” the Egyptian said. “We need another title. Me and the big guys in the team need another title.”
Despite the defeat that leaves City 20 points behind Liverpool, Pep Guardiola struck an optimistic note. “I saw a bright future,” City’s manager said. “Other than Kevin [De Bruyne] and Nathan [Aké], they [the rest of the XI] are the future, with others who will come in future windows.”
Erling Haaland was again absent with a knee problem. Guardiola was asked how serious it is. “I don’t think very. Yesterday [Saturday] he trained but then said he was not ready – we have to respect that.”
