Liverpool’s commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield saw them extend their lead to nine points at the top of the Premier League. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah secured the win, with Gakpo opening the scoring in the 12th minute from Salah’s cross, and Salah sealing the victory with a penalty late in the second half. After the match, Arne Slot reflected on the team’s performance and the challenges ahead in his post-match press conference.
On the win, Slot acknowledged the significance of beating top teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City but stressed that the true key to success lies in consistency. He pointed out that the reason teams like City and Madrid have won so many trophies over the years is their ability to maintain success over the long term, not just a few big wins. He added, “If we want to achieve more than this, winning once or twice is not enough to win anything at the end of the season.”
Slot also discussed whether the performance could be considered one of a ‘potential title winner’. He emphasized that while winning against top teams is important, consistency is crucial for achieving long-term success. He noted that other teams, such as Arsenal and Chelsea, are also capable of going on long winning streaks, and Liverpool’s challenge is to maintain the same level of performance over the rest of the season. The coach also pointed out the struggles of having only five defenders available, highlighting the challenges that still lie ahead for his team.
Regarding the first-half display, Slot was pleased with the energy both the players and the fans brought to the game. Despite being only 1-0 up at half-time, he felt that the team had delivered a strong performance, even if a larger margin would have been preferable. Slot concluded by noting that while the game was tight for the neutral fans, Liverpool’s style of play was effective in securing the win.
The result leaves Liverpool firmly at the top of the Premier League table with 34 points after 13 matches, while Manchester City, in fifth place, are now nine points adrift.
