It’s been a bad week for Liverpool in the Premier League title race, as they dropped points in two games while Arsenal gained ground on them.
The Merseysiders had had a six-point lead with a game in hand, but the Gunners are now eight points adrift, having played a game fewer than their northern counterparts.
Liverpool were held by Everton in dramatic fashion, in a clash that sparked a loss of discipline from the Reds’ manager Arne Slot and certain members of his squad.
A nervy win over relegation-threatened Wolves followed, before the north-west outfit dropped more points in the West Midlands against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0 last weekend, and have been able to enjoy some much-needed rest over the past fortnight.
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Arne Slot’s latest comments on Liverpool
Missing several clear-cut chances at Villa Park on Wednesday, Liverpool were left extremely frustrated with their inability to take all three points back to Merseyside.
The result has clearly got to Slot’s head, as the Dutch manager produced a bizarre outburst after the game.
Speaking to talkSPORT (via Birmingham Live), the Reds boss claimed that their opponents have a special approach to playing Liverpool.
“It’s not only because you’re top of the league, it is because you are Liverpool,” Slot said.
“We come over here and I see fireworks. I don’t know if they do this every game, but I assume that it is because it’s Liverpool.
“I assume every game for Aston Villa is completely sold out. It was again today. Normally teams don’t have injuries because their players want to play against Liverpool.
“That is what we know and this club has known for many years. We can’t complain about that.
“They want to play their best game against us because we have so many good players. We can’t complain about that.”
The Premier League title race momentum is shifting in Arsenal’s favour
Slot has been cool and collected in his interviews throughout the season, but it appears he and his team are starting to feel the pressue.
His exasperation after the draw at Villa Park speaks to someone who is fully aware that Arsenal are on their tail.
The former Feyenoord boss also lost the plot after the draw at Goodison Park, with his erratic behaviour an indicator that the momentum is shifting.
Liverpool now face Manchester City on Sunday, before hosting Newcastle next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures don’t look as daunting, and belief within the Gunners’ camp that they can overhaul the Anfield-based side will be at the highest level its been since the opening weeks of the season.
A tangible shift in momentum has occurred in the last fortnight, and Mikel Arteta’s team are ready to pounce and capitalise on this.
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