Arne Slot points to Man City’s dramatic collapse as he downplays Liverpool’s title chances despite going seven points clear with a game in hand
- Jordan Ayew gave the visitors a shock lead after just six minutes at Anfield
- Liverpool responded with goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mo Salah
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Arne Slot has told his Liverpool team to use the collapse of Manchester City as a warning that their comfortable position at the top of the Premier League could fall apart very quickly if they are not careful.
The Reds came from behind to beat Leicester on Boxing Day as goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah helped Slot’s men move seven points clear at the top of the table after second-placed Chelsea earlier in the day lost.
And Slot said the speed at which City fell from leaders to seventh should be a clear warning. “When you’re in this game for a long time and you know 20 games before the end, you don’t look at the table,” he said.
‘It was only a month ago that we were one point behind City and look what has happened. This can happen to any team. It’s still far too early to celebrate. You, like me, have competed in all these competitions and there haven’t been many easy wins.
‘That tells you how difficult it is to win when all your players are available. We just have to take it one game at a time.”
Meanwhile, Slot’s compatriot Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was pleased with his team’s performance, saying: ‘I knew what challenge lay ahead of me when I came in four weeks ago. Of course, the challenge lies there as a promoted team.
Arne Slot has told his players to learn lessons from Manchester City’s collapse after his side’s win on Boxing Day
The Reds moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after victory over Leicester
Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw with Everton and are now 14 points behind the leaders after moving into a points lead over the Reds at the start of last month.
‘If we reach the finish at the end of May, we should be just above the relegation zone and be safe. That is our belief and what we are working towards.’
Van Nistelrooy dropped goalkeeper Danny Ward from the squad after he was booed by his own fans in the defeat to Wolves and the boss said: ‘The conversation with Wardy was impressive.
‘What happened to him is very difficult. We are professionals, but also people.’