Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists his reigning English champions can still do “special things” this season as they prepare to face Premier League leaders Arsenal after a stuttering start to their title defence.
Slot’s men go to the Emirates for Thursday’s match in fourth place in the table, but 14 points behind the Gunners.
However, after a run of nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine games, even though that run includes four draws.
Those draws include a goalless stalemate against Leeds and a 2-2 share of the win against Fulham in the first two Premier League games of 2026.
“We have been unbeaten for nine games, but we have certainly had two draws too many,” Slot said at a press conference before the match on Wednesday.
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Slot, who led Liverpool to an impressive title triumph in his first season at Anfield after succeeding Jurgen Klopp, added: «Where are we? I think I’ve said so many times that the answer to that question is we’re not where we want to be, but I feel like we have a very talented squad.»
“If everyone is available and ready, I think we can do special things.”
‘A lot to play for’
It certainly gave that impression earlier this season when Liverpool beat Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield in August.
«I think we have shown that this season as well, because we have had quite a few impressive wins, but also unimpressive draws and losses,» said Slot.
“We haven’t had the consistency, but we’ve beaten some very good teams, so that tells you the talent is definitely there, but the consistency isn’t.”
Those impressive victories included home successes against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and a 5-1 away draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
But on the other hand, they have already suffered three defeats at home this season, against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.
“This club has shown so many times that even if they are not in the best form in the competition, they can still win other trophies,” said Slot.
«We just haven’t had any consistency against the clubs we would normally win at, which contributes to the fact that we are now fourteen points behind Arsenal.»
The team now faces a renewed test of form against the Gunners, with Arsenal looking to crown themselves champions of England for the first time in more than twenty years.
“There is a lot of importance in this match because we still have a lot to play for in the Premier League,” said Slot.
“We are also in the FA Cup and the Champions League, which are knockout games and games where you play against teams like Arsenal, so it will be a chance for us to see where we are in a one-off match.
«We’re up against a very, very good Arsenal team.»
The Dutchman said that the difficult thing for his team is that Arsenal is the «complete package».
“For that reason, in my opinion, they deserve to be at the top this season.”
Published on January 7, 2026
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