Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has described Arsenal as the Premier League’s most complete side as his team prepares for a daunting trip to north London on Thursday night.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference before the round 21 fixture, Arne Slot was asked to identify Arsenal’s standout quality.
“Their biggest strength? That’s an interesting question,” Slot said. “Perhaps their biggest strength lies in the fact that they have many strengths. Or rather, they have almost no obvious weaknesses.
“They rarely concede goals, they can score from open play and from set pieces, they have a very good concept for organising attacks from the back, and they can also play long balls. So, they are a very complete team with a full complement of players. And that’s why, in my opinion, they deserve to be at the top of the table this season.”
Liverpool arrive at the Emirates unbeaten in nine league matches, yet the run has not entirely satisfied sections of the fanbase. Draws against Leeds and Fulham followed a narrow 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, prompting criticism that the performances have been short on flair.
Slot admitted the comments have stung, even if he understands where they are coming from.
“I find it really hard to hear those words but it’s not that I completely disagree,” he said.
“I would use different words, take certain things into account. I want to win as many trophies as I can but I think I’m also known for the fact that my teams always try to play attacking football and can only say that we are trying to do so.”
The numbers show Liverpool are not entirely blunt in attack, even if the eye test suggests room for improvement.
According to Opta, Liverpool have created 53 big chances in the Premier League this season and scored 32 goals from them. That tally places them seventh, level with Newcastle, while Manchester City and Arsenal lead the chart with 65 and 62 big chances respectively.
“We are struggling to create a lot of chances,” Slot conceded.
“But as I’ve said many times, we are not the only team that struggles to create a lot of chances. I don’t think the number we create is that different to some other teams that are doing really well in the league.”
Liverpool sit fourth, 14 points behind the leaders, and face the task without a fully fit squad. Leading scorer Hugo Ekitike is a major doubt with a hamstring problem, with Slot confirming a decision will be taken after the final training session.
Despite the criticism, the Dutchman remains clear about the direction he wants his side to take.
“One thing I’d like is us winning a lot of games but also us playing an attractive style of football, which we have also done this season,” Arne Slot said.
“We have to find a way against teams who play in an unattractive way, which is maybe even smart for them to do. We have to find answers to that, and we haven’t found enough yet, but we are working every single day to improve that.”