It usually has huge implications when the top two teams on the EPL table meet this late in the season. Not this time. That's because the Reds have already wrapped up the title when Liverpool and Arsenal square off at Anfield on May 11th. However, they will still want to play better than they did in their last match against a struggling Arsenal side.
Slot Shares Thoughts on Alexander-Arnold
Arne Slot did not immediately respond to the media about the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool, but he broke his silence during the pre-match presser.
“I think, like everybody who likes Liverpool and who is a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed for him leaving because not only [is] a good human being leaving the club but a very, very, very good full-back is leaving us as well, Slot said. “I also worked at clubs, like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, where every season a very good or multiple very good players have left the club. So, I'm a bit more used to it maybe that players [are] leaving the club. The experience I have – and, by the way, this club as well – [is] that if a very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up, and that's probably what's going to happen now again as well.”
Accessing Arsenal
Ironically, Slot did not address the match with the Gunners in his press conference, so let's talk about it. After Arsenal pushed Liverpool for the final spot on the table, they have struggled as of late. Arsenal only have one win and three draws in the last five EPL matches. They have big names and balanced scoring, with Kai Havertz leading the way with 9 goals and Leandro Trossard not far behind with 8. By comparison, Mohamed Salah has 28 goals for Liverpool in the EPL this season.
Speaking Of Salah
The Egyptian King was named the Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year for the third time in his career. He garnered 90 per cent of the vote with Virgil van Dijk coming in second place. So far this season, Salah has 33 goals and 23 assists. With his third Footballer of the Year award, Salah surpasses Anfield legends John Barnes and Sir Kenny Dalglish, who won the award twice.
LFC Globe Verdict
A lot of the drama has been taken out of this one, but it still should be fun to watch. Liverpool will want to play better, and Arsenal do not want to drop from second in the table. Liverpool should have recovered from celebrating, so I expect a competitive game.
Where To Watch
The match will kickoff at 1630 BST and air on Sky Sports. In the United States, supporters can watch on USA Network at 11:30 AM EST and stream on Fubo TV in Canada.
