Are you not entertained? With a smile, Ange Postecoglou borrowed the well-known line from the film Gladiator following the thrilling midweek win over Manchester United.
However it’s one factor placing a group with United’s many evident issues and shortcomings to the sword within the Carabao Cup and one other going into the sector nose-to-nose up in opposition to would-be title winners.
Liverpool have the imperious contact of champions and there was just one Maximus on this show. Just one gladiator. Just one winner. It was, as so typically, Mohamed Salah who tore Tottenham aside with two extra targets and two extra assists. He nearly scored 3 times within the opening 10 minutes, hitting the crossbar, and was nearly unstoppable all through. He strikes concern.
It took Salah’s targets complete for Liverpool to 229 and that lifted him one forward of Billy Liddell within the membership’s all-time scorers checklist. Each Liverpool fan ought to know the importance of that with Salah reaching it in simply 373 video games – it took Liddell 534 appearances – with solely Gordon Hodgson (241 in 377), Roger Hunt (285 in 492) and Ian Rush (346 in 660) forward of him in that storied checklist.
To place his contribution in a wider context within the Premier League period, Salah additionally grew to become the primary participant to succeed in double figures for each targets and assists earlier than Christmas in a single season (13 targets and 11 assists). He’s, fairly frankly, a phenomenon.
There may be time for an additional statistic. When it comes to general purpose contributions, in all competitions, Salah has an astonishing 33 on this marketing campaign already. The subsequent highest? Bukayo Saka with 22. The Egyptian actually is in a league of his personal.
Salah’s contract state of affairs, along with his present deal operating out subsequent June, has been well-discussed however the 32-year-old may do properly to take a leaf out of Kevin De Bruyne’s playbook in terms of negotiations. Along with his final deal at Manchester Metropolis, which additionally expires on the finish of this marketing campaign, De Bruyne introduced up the information to bolster his price. Salah can merely say to Liverpool: “take a look at my numbers. Take a look at the details”.
And so with , Liverpool opened up a four-point lead on the prime of the desk – with a recreation in hand. And it was nearly too straightforward at occasions. It has been a masterful first-half of the marketing campaign from new head coach Arne Slot who has marshalled his assets beautifully though he was irritated at how, at 5-1 up, Liverpool gave away two targets to present Spurs some gloss of a revival even when it was by no means actually going to occur.
In fact the ultimate scoreline flattered them and there have been extra stats to again up that past the plain proof of watching the sport. Liverpool’s XG – anticipated targets – was 4.55, one of many highest ever recorded, to Spurs’ 1.25 and so they had 24 pictures to 9. Frankly they need to have received much more convincingly even when this was the primary time that they had scored six this season and their highest targets complete within the league since knocking seven previous United in March final yr.
Again to Slot and he made seven adjustments from Liverpool’s personal League Cup win over Southampton and reaped the reward of resting gamers. Salah was amongst these left behind on Merseyside as was Luis Díaz who opened the scoring with a header from a superb Trent Alexander-Arnold cross. Each fizzed across the pitch.
These two attackers grabbed the plaudits however there was additionally a vastly dynamic show from midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai who drove Liverpool ahead, who was additionally among the many targets and assists and who was additionally ignored in opposition to Southampton.
It has been faultless administration from Slot who has that pretty capacity to go with his gamers whereas upbraiding them.
Sure, he stated it was most likely the very best away efficiency of the marketing campaign up to now. However, no, he didn’t like how his group stopped operating as soon as they went 4 targets in entrance. And with such a navigation of reward and criticism are champions made.
Liverpool took a grip and nearly from kick-off Spurs had been being slowly strangled. They’ve the mitigation of an in depth harm checklist however they had been being picked off and it felt solely a matter of time earlier than Liverpool scored. And scored once more.
There should be sympathy for Ange Postecoglou, particularly given how bravely he continues to demand his group play, nevertheless it does result in criticism of its personal. They provide up easy targets at occasions and so it proved.
By half-time it was 3-1 with one other header, this time by Alexis Mac Allister, and a Szoboszlai end after a devastating breakaway. Earlier than that James Maddison had scored well from 19 yards following a mistake by Mac Allister when he was dispossessed by the spectacular Dejan Kulusevski.
There can be no approach again for Spurs and the velocity with which Liverpool pour ahead is just like how they performed of their pomp beneath Jürgen Klopp. It’s exhilarating, just like the Crimson Arrows surging upfield.
Spurs had been overwhelmed for Salah’s first purpose. Liverpool countered with Cody Gakpo quickly exchanging passes with Díaz – and Archie Grey twice desperately slicing the ball out – just for it to fall to Salah who tapped it dwelling. Then they sliced by means of as soon as extra as Szoboszlai outwitted Grey and pulled the ball again to Salah who sidefooted into the web.
The actual fact Grey, at 18, is enjoying at centre-half highlights how stretched Spurs are, in fact, however nobody can deny their spirit – they by no means take a backward step – and need to attain and so they claimed two targets as firstly Kulusevski volleyed in after a tremendous link-up with Dominic Solanke after which Solanke additionally guided the ball dwelling from a header by substitute Brennan Johnson.
Nevertheless it solely served to bother Liverpool as they swiftly bewildered Spurs once more for Salah to slide a move by means of to Díaz who completed with a robust angled shot. And with that there was a thumbs-up from Slot who took the pair off. It confirmed simply how ruthless they are often and their work was accomplished. And, sure, we had been entertained.
Postecoglou: Tottenham followers could have misplaced religion in me however I received’t change my methods
Ange Postecoglou stated he has accepted that some Tottenham Hotspur followers could have misplaced persistence with him after the chaotic 6-3 defeat at dwelling to Liverpool.
The end result left Tottenham eleventh within the Premier League desk however, regardless of being beneath strain, the pinnacle coach declared he wouldn’t be altering his methods.
“We’re in a tough state of affairs,” he stated with Spurs in the course of a crippling harm disaster.
“The followers, they need to really feel the way in which they should. They had been good at this time and nonetheless supported the gamers which is necessary. And who is aware of perhaps a few of them perceive the state of affairs we’re in in the intervening time. It appears many don’t. I hope they perceive what we are attempting to construct right here.”
Requested, as soon as once more, about his expansive, courageous enjoying fashion, Postecoglou added: “Look, I feel I’ve been actually, actually affected person within the final 18 months answering the identical questions. If folks need to change my method it received’t change.
“If you wish to low cost the actual fact we’re lacking a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and left-back and that hasn’t coincided with what we’re doing… I don’t know what to say anymore. I feel folks make up their thoughts in their very own approach. They both suppose what I’m doing is nice or unhealthy, and that’s tremendous.”
Postecoglou added: “I get that individuals need me to flick the swap and miraculously change however that received’t occur. It’s what it’s and other people must settle for there can be challenges alongside the way in which.”
Even so Postecoglou conceded that Spurs had been outclassed by the league leaders who had been “too good for us”. He stated: “It was a tough day for us clearly and a painful end result. Credit score to Liverpool they’re an excellent aspect, nice kind, nice perception.
“It was a bridge too far for us at this time. We lacked a little bit of power and the power to compete with them on the similar stage.
“The gamers are usually not wavering of their dedication in what we are attempting to do. Even at this time in a tough day I’m actually proud that they tried to play in the way in which we need to play.”
Questioned about Spurs’ league place, Postecoglou added: “I feel I’m being judged. I don’t suppose individuals are throwing platitudes at me. All I can do is negotiate us by means of a tough interval. In case you are saying that I’m not doing an excellent job and that I ought to really feel uncomfortable, that’s for others to guage.”
Mohamed Salah, who scored twice to maneuver fourth in Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring checklist, stated: “It’s nice to realize that at such a giant membership, however a very powerful factor is that we received the sport. Wherever I’m going to finish my profession I’m completely satisfied about it.” Requested whether or not there was an replace on his future, along with his contract expiring on the finish of the season, the 32-year-old merely stated “no”.
07:08 PM GMTRead Jamie Carragher’s column
Jamie Carragher’s Telegraph column on Trent Alexander-Arnold is the topic of intense post-match dialogue on Sky Sports activities.
In case you haven’t already learn it: right here’s the hyperlink to the piece from the previous Liverpool defender:
07:04 PM GMTSalah: Purpose + Help Machine
After tonight’s goal-fest, it is extremely a lot price mentioning: Salah now leads the Premier League in each targets + assists.
Salah has scored 15 league targets and has made 11 assists.
His 26 purpose involvements are 9 greater than Cole Palmer’s 17, who has the second-most within the league.
The 32 yr previous has scored and assisted in seven completely different league video games for Liverpool this season — the joint-most by a participant in a single marketing campaign.
06:47 PM GMTAnge-ball ensures targets
3.6 – Tottenham’s Premier League matches beneath Ange Postecoglou have seen a median of three.6 targets scored per recreation. Amongst these to take cost of fifty+ video games within the competitors, that is the best targets per recreation charge for any supervisor. Frenzy.
06:45 PM GMTAnother document damaged by Salah
6 – That is the sixth Premier League season during which Mohamed Salah has each scored and assisted 10+ targets; essentially the most of any participant within the competitors’s historical past (overtaking Wayne Rooney’s 5). Tremendous.
06:42 PM GMTMohamed Salah post-match feedback
Liverpool ahead Mohamed Salah, talking to Sky Sports activities post-match: “We had been fairly good in entrance, however defensively we have to enhance as a group.
“It was fairly an excellent end result, however hopefully we simply hold going.”
On turning into the primary Premier League participant to succeed in 10 targets and 10 assists in a season earlier than Christmas, he stated: “I didn’t give it some thought earlier than the sport, however I’m glad I accomplished it. It’s one thing that makes me completely satisfied and proud.”
On turning into Liverpool’s fourth-highest all time goalscorer, he stated: “ That is such a giant membership, however I’m simply glad we obtained the win. No matter [goals] I’m going to finish my profession with, I’m completely satisfied.”
06:36 PM GMTLiverpool prime at Christmas once more.
Liverpool at the moment are 4 factors clear on the prime of the Premier League desk.
That is the seventh time the membership have been led the Premier League at Christmas.
Nevertheless, solely as soon as within the earlier six situations did they go on to win the title.
Can Arne Slot handle to clinch one other Premier League title after such an amazing begin to the season?
06:28 PM GMTSlot taking the highest six assessments by storm
Arne Slot is unbeaten in opposition to the Premier League ‘huge six’ up to now this season:
Man United ✅Man Metropolis ✅Chelsea ✅Spurs ✅Arsenal 🤝
06:24 PM GMTFull time: Tottenham 3 Liverpool 6
Arne Slot’s males have annihilated Tottenham in north London to cement their place as the highest group at Christmas.
Let’s not overlook: These two groups will play two extra occasions within the subsequent two months within the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
06:17 PM GMT87 minutes: Tottenham 3 Liverpool 6
Now Tottenham nearly get a fourth purpose however Alisson will get down properly to save lots of Johnson’s low shot earlier than the ball is hurriedly cleared away.
06:14 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 3 Liverpool 6 (Diaz)
My eyes are reeling with all these targets flying into the web at each ends!
It’s now 6-3 to Liverpool.
The away aspect work the ball properly in the direction of the appropriate hand aspect of the field, the place Luis Diaz is primed and able to drive the ball previous Forster’s outstretched leg.
06:13 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 3 Liverpool 5 (Solanke)
This match is completely absurd! And Tottenham have their third by means of Dominic Solanke’s half-volley.
A cross from the left is floated onto Brennan Johnson’s head, who guides the ball throughout purpose earlier than Solanke stooped low to steer the bouncing ball previous Alisson.
06:09 PM GMT79 minutes: Tottenham 2 Liverpool 5
Alexander-Arnold as soon as once more curls a menacing cross from the appropriate, however Szoboszlai can’t hold his header down because the Hungarian is unable to fulfill the ball at an acceptable top.
06:06 PM GMT76 minutes: Tottenham 2 Liverpool 5
Tottenham’s excessive line is the reward that retains on giving for Liverpool’s attackers, and Luis Diaz is put by means of on purpose by Diogo Jota.
The Colombian ahead makes an attempt a lob that sails over Forster’s head however doesn’t go beneath the bar, as an alternative touchdown on the roof of the web.
06:01 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 2 Liverpool 5 (Kulusevski)
Tottenham won’t lay down on this contest and have pulled again a purpose with Kulusevski volleying previous Alisson after Son’s dinked move.
And it could not be a shock if there have been nonetheless extra targets on this match!
05:58 PM GMTAnother milestone for Salah
Salah’s two targets on this half now strikes him into fourth place on the checklist of Liverpool’s all-time main scorers.
05:56 PM GMT67 minutes: Tottenham 1 Liverpool 5
Tottenham are nonetheless posing a risk going ahead, with Kulusevski jinking within the penalty space and dealing sufficient house to fireplace a shot broad that’s then put behind by Alexander-Arnold for a nook.
05:52 PM GMT62 minutes: Tottenham 1 Liverpool 5
Liverpool are simply mauling Tottenham at this level.
They nearly have a sixth when Alexander-Arnold unleashes a long-range piledriver from 30 yards, however Forster leaps by means of the air and palms the ball away for a nook.
05:50 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 1 Liverpool 5 (Salah)
Liverpool are simply dissecting Tottenham at will on this contest. Salah faucets in his second after Gakpo squares the ball for the Egyptian.
05:47 PM GMT57 minutes: Tottenham 1 Liverpool 4
It may and may have been 5 for Liverpool. Allisson’s looking out lengthy ball flies over Tottenham’s backline and places Szoboszlai by means of on purpose.
The Hungarian rounds Forster however can solely hook his effort into the aspect netting.
05:44 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 1 Liverpool 4 (Salah)
Liverpool are rampant in north London, launching a blistering counter assault that units Luis Diaz in movement throughout the pitch.
He slips in Gakpo on the left who performs a ball throughout purpose that simply evades Szoboszlai however Salah is available to smash the unfastened ball into the web.
05:40 PM GMT49 minutes: Tottenham 1 Liverpool 3
As this second half has began, Liverpool have utilized a ferocious press on Tottenham’s defence, denying their opponents any alternatives to play out from the again.
Arne Slot’s males are eager to construct on a powerful first half exhibiting.
05:36 PM GMTView from Tottenham
The best way Tottenham are heading, there can be quite a lot of rumblings of discontent by the point this match is completed. Already stewards have been seen popping “Levy Out” balloons introduced by protestors enraged by what they understand as chief government Daniel Levy’s preoccupation with utilizing the membership extra as an NFL-friendly franchise than a severe soccer establishment.
No sooner have their group re-established a foothold on this recreation, courtesy of James Maddison’s curling end, than Liverpool restore a two-goal cushion by means of the deftest interaction between Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, with the Hungarian guiding the ball between Fraser Forster’s legs. Even on this shimmering stadium, the environment feels funereal.
05:34 PM GMTSecond half begins
The second half is now underway, as Liverpool look to go into Christmas in fashion.
05:30 PM GMTSome revealing Tottenham stats
Tottenham Hotspur have scored 19 first half targets in 17 video games, essentially the most within the Premier League this season.
They’ve conceded seven targets within the final quarter-hour of the primary half. Solely Ipswich and Southampton have let in additional throughout the league this marketing campaign.
Tottenham have conceded the opening purpose in 14 completely different Premier League dwelling video games in 2024; the joint-most ever by a group inside a calendar yr within the competitors (alongside Crystal Palace in 2017, Ipswich and Tottenham in 1994).
05:22 PM GMTSalah breaks new floor earlier than Christmas05:19 PM GMTHalf time: Tottenham 1 Liverpool 3
Liverpool head into the break with a 3-1 lead that doesn’t flatter them within the slightest.
05:17 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 1 Liverpool 3 (Szoboszlai)
And similar to that, Liverpool have restored their two-goal lead and Szoboszlai will get their third proper earlier than half time.
Mo Salah runs on the coronary heart of Tottenham’s defence and slips in Szoboszlai, who slots the ball by means of Forster’s legs and strengthen his aspect’s lead earlier than the interval.
05:13 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 1 Liverpool 2 (Maddison)
James Maddison has halved the deficit for Tottenham and the house aspect are usually not taking place and not using a struggle!
Moments after Pape Sarr’s half volley was held by Allisson, Liverpool lose the ball in midfield when Mac Allister is caught in possession earlier than Maddison strokes the ball into the underside proper nook to present Tottenham a lifeline.
05:08 PM GMTTottenham 0 Liverpool 2 (MacAllister)
Liverpool are placing Tottenham to the sword and now have their second purpose, because of Alexis Mac Allister’s header.
Andy Robertson dinks a ball into the penalty space, and Szoboszlai heads the ball into the air earlier than Mac Allister beats the onrushing Forster to the ball to nod the away aspect additional forward.
05:06 PM GMT34 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 1
Tottenham thought they discovered a approach behind Liverpool’s backline when a fast free kick is launched into Son’s path. The referee, nevertheless blows for the set piece to be retaken to the frustration of the South Korean.
05:03 PM GMTAn help that wanted acknowledgement05:02 PM GMTView from Tottenham
Bend it like Trent. It doesn’t fairly have the identical ring to it as ‘Bend it like Beckham’ however no Premier League participant delivers a cross with as a lot accuracy as Trent Alexander-Arnold. And possibly no-one has accomplished since David Beckham.
Liverpool totally deserve their lead. What was with the ‘shoe-shine’ celebration as goalscorer Luis Diaz pretended to scrub Alexander-Arnold’s boots?
04:59 PM GMT28 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 1
Diaz nearly doubles his tally for the day, firing a low shot from the sting of the field that’s properly held by Forster.
Tottenham look flustered and concede a free kick from round 35 yards from purpose when Maddison brings down Gravenberch.
A collection of harmful crosses are slung into the field however the dwelling aspect handle to clear their traces.
04:55 PM GMTGOAL! Tottenham 0 Liverpool 1 (Diaz)
Liverpool lastly take the lead, and Alexander-Arnold has supplied an outrageously good help for Luis Diaz.
The proper-back will get his head up and whips in an excellent cross from the appropriate that’s graciouly met by Diaz, who cranes his neck to plant a thumping header previous Forster.
04:53 PM GMT21 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
Boos are ringing across the stadium from the house supporters, after Heung min Son is introduced down on the left hand aspect of the pitch by Dominik Szoboszlai’s problem however no foul is given.
04:50 PM GMT18 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool have Tottenham on the ropes now, and Mo Salah is in his groove.
First, the Egyptian has two efforts blocked in fast succession by Djed Spence earlier than he skates down the appropriate hand aspect and fizzes a strike that rattles the bar.
04:48 PM GMT15 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
Alexander Arnold performs a wonderful crossfield move into Luis Diaz, who cuts inside from the left and performs the ball into Gakpo, whose shot balloons over the bar.
Moments later, Tottenham’s crossfield ball of their very own finds Kulusevski on the appropriate hand aspect who performs the ball to Sarr on the fringe of the field, who then hit the ball broad from 25 yards.
04:43 PM GMT10 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool have had an awesome likelihood to interrupt the impasse when a divine floated ball from Alexander-Arnold finds Salah within the field. The Egyptian’s prodded shot is saved by Forster earlier than Szoboszlai’s comply with up shot is blocked.
04:41 PM GMT9 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
Tottenham are gaining a foothold on this match and a pleasant spell of possession within the ultimate third results in a deflected cross discovering James Maddison on the left hand aspect.
He’s nudged within the again by Alexander-Arnold however the dwelling aspect don’t get the choice from the referee.
04:38 PM GMTView from Tottenham
Regardless of his blunders in opposition to Manchester United within the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United on Thursday there have been big cheers from the Tottenham followers when Fraser Forster’s identify was learn out previous to kick-off.
Lower than three minutes in there was surprised silence because the goalkeeper handed the ball straight to Mohamed Salah.
Happily for Spurs the Liverpool ahead was equally shocked and shot wastefully into the side-netting. I really like seeing the ball performed out from the again however with some goalkeepers it merely just isn’t well worth the threat. Forster is actually one among them.
04:37 PM GMT5 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
Liverpool have exerted some early attacking strain upon Tottenham in these opening levels. Luis Diaz had a shot from the sting of the field that he steered broad of the purpose to Tottenham’s aid.
04:34 PM GMT2 minutes: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
And Fraser Forster has almost made Tottenham concede one other calamitous purpose this week. And shock, shock, the 37 yr previous struggles to play from the again with the ball at his toes.
His feeble move finds Mohamed Salah, who pounces on the ball however can solely fireplace into the aspect netting.
04:30 PM GMTKick off is right here.
The trumpets are blaring throughout the stadium, as the house crowd heartily sing their anthem: “When the Spurs Go Marching In”
And the match is lastly underway!
04:27 PM GMTKick off approaches
Kick off is lower than 5 minutes away, and the groups are within the tunnel.
The music is pumping by means of the audio system within the stadium, and there’s a spellbinding gentle present happening contained in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The stage is being set for a spectacular match between these two front-footed groups…
04:24 PM GMTSome stats to whet your urge for food…
Liverpool have solely misplaced two of their final 23 Premier League conferences in opposition to Tottenham (W15 D6). They’ve additionally scored of their earlier 17 league video games in opposition to the north London aspect.
No fixture has seen extra ninetieth minute profitable targets in Premier League historical past than Tottenham v Liverpool (6).
Tottenham have misplaced 9 of their final 11 Premier League video games in opposition to sides beginning the day prime of the desk, with each exceptions coming away in opposition to Manchester Metropolis (2-2 in August 2019, 3-2 in February 2022). They’ve misplaced all 5 dwelling video games on this run.
Tottenham have stored only one clear sheet of their final 23 Premier League dwelling video games, a 4-0 win in opposition to Everton earlier this season. They’re winless of their final three on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (D1 L2), final having an extended run and not using a dwelling win in November/December 2013 (4).
Tottenham have scored extra targets within the opening quarter-hour of video games than some other aspect within the Premier League this season (9), with 5 of these coming of their final two video games.
04:10 PM GMTPlaying out from the again: Who does it properly and who self-destructs
Tottenham are a group most liable to error, whereas Liverpool rank second behind Manchester Metropolis in terms of constructing assaults extra intricately. Learn Daniel Zeqiri’s evaluation .
04:04 PM GMTSquid Recreation guards at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
03:57 PM GMTSpurs supporters protest in opposition to ENIC and Daniel Levy
03:51 PM GMTIs Ange Postecoglou’s job actually tougher than the Prime Minister’s?
Thom Gibbs’s definitive investigation can present simply why the Tottenham supervisor’s job is tougher than main a nation. Learn extra .
03:44 PM GMTArne Slot needs to see Spurs win a trophy regardless of snubbing membership
Liverpool’s supervisor was filled with reward for his reverse quantity Ange Postecoglou’s model of attacking soccer and stated that it deserves its reward – so long as it’s not at his group’s expense. Learn extra about what the Dutchman needed to say concerning the Australian .
03:39 PM GMTTeams in black and white
TottenhamForster; Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Grey, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma; Maddison, Kulusevski, Son; Solanke.
Subs: Austin, Reguilon, Udogie, Dorrington, Bergvall, Olusesi, Werner, Johnson, Lankshear.
LiverpoolAlisson; Gomez, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.
Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Jones, Elliott, Jota, Tsimikas, Quansah, Nyoni.
03:33 PM GMTCarragher’s recommendation for Alexander-Arnold
Jamie Carragher used his column this week to supply Trent Alexander-Arnold a phrase of warning: As a neighborhood lad, you’re all the time handled otherwise in case you depart Anfield. Learn on .
03:29 PM GMTSquid Recreation vs balloon protest: Welcome to the Spurs tradition battle
Matt Legislation wrote about how Tottenham’s trophy drought stretching again to 2008 is a sore topic however is on no account the one difficulty on supporters’ checklist of complaints. Learn all about it .
03:21 PM GMTLiverpool group information
The Reds to tackle Spurs 👊🔴
03:20 PM GMTTottenham group news02:03 PM GMTSlot on Chelsea: ‘In the event you spend £1.2bn there’s a risk to achieve success!’
Arne Slot has joked that he would possibly use big-spending Chelsea’s emergence as Premier League title contenders to influence Liverpool’s homeowners to splash the money within the January switch window.
Chelsea will transfer to the highest of the desk for just a few hours in the event that they win at Everton on Sunday and can keep there if Liverpool fail to beat Tottenham later within the afternoon.
The Merseyside membership, who’re owned by John Henry’s Fenway Sports activities Group, spent solely £12 million final summer time on former Juventus striker Federico Chiesa, who has hardly performed due to harm, whereas Chelsea have spent .
But Slot is proud of the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp and appears unlikely to maneuver into the market within the January switch window to spice up Liverpool’s title hopes. Klopp didn’t spend considerably in the summertime earlier than Liverpool’s 2019-20 title-winning season and Slot thinks which may affect the homeowners.
“Bringing gamers in is all the time a course of about making the smart move,” stated Slot. “If it’s true what you say [that Klopp didn’t invest much in the summer of 2019], perhaps the homeowners would possibly suppose, ‘OK, the very best factor is to deliver no gamers in’.
“Perhaps I must be proud of how properly Chelsea is doing in the intervening time, then I can inform the homeowners, ‘Yeah, however in case you spend £1.2 billion there may be additionally a risk to achieve success!’.
“There may be not just one approach and that’s what makes this league desk attention-grabbing. There may be one group [Liverpool] who didn’t do something in the summertime besides signal Chiesa, who hasn’t performed quite a bit but, and one group which spent [heavily] and can also be profitable.
“It’s additionally an id to first take a look at your gamers and your academy and see what that brings. That makes soccer such an entertaining world that you could achieve success in numerous methods.”
Liverpool go to Spurs with Slot warning they should win extra away video games in opposition to the larger golf equipment to strengthen their title bid. Final season they received just one away fixture in opposition to the golf equipment that completed within the prime eight.
“If you wish to win this league, you want plenty of factors,” stated Slot. “And there are such a lot of sturdy groups on this competitors that every so often you want to win a tough away recreation as properly. We’ve received a few tough away video games in opposition to Crystal Palace and Wolves nevertheless it’s honest to say that the away video games in opposition to the top-six or top-eight groups are much more tough.
“You don’t should win all of them, however you actually want just a few good leads to these video games.”
He’s cautious of the depth of Tottenham’s excessive press, saying: “If there’s one group that involves my thoughts once I discuss depth, it’s positively Tottenham. What an unbelievable, aggressive fashion of play and urgent and the strikers work extremely arduous with out the ball.
“We’ve to be actually, actually intense if we need to have any likelihood of getting an excellent end result.”