Arne Slot pleased with team’s mentality after win against Arsenal

After only three games into the season, Liverpool showed why they are on the right track to defend their Premier League title. The Reds defeated the previous season’s runners-up Arsenal by 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday. 

After a goalless first half, Liverpool defender Dominik Szoboszlai scored a perfect free-kick in the 83rd minute to give all three points to his team. After each team has played three games apiece in the season, Liverpool is the only side to win all of their matches.

“I’m most pleased with the team’s mentality,” Slot said as quoted by Reuters. “We’ve had to bring quite a lot of new players in. And then you have to start the season against Bournemouth and then Newcastle away, and then to play Arsenal at home, which is definitely one of the three or four most difficult games of the season … and already doing what we are doing.”

Slot admitted Liverpool was not perfect but praised its drive and willingness to work: “We’re not perfect (but) everybody wants to work so hard to get a result over the line.” He added, quoting Michael Jordan: “The harder we work, the more luck we get.”

The Dutch manager showered praise on Szoboszlai, who impressed in an unexpected right-back role and also scored the match-winning goal. “He understands what a Liverpool player should look like. If you wear this shirt, you should give everything, no matter in what position you play,” Slot said. “Unbelievable game from him in a position he has probably played only two or three times in his life.”

Reflecting on the contest, Slot said: “If we play this game 10 times more in the same fashion, then I think it’s eight times a draw. We win it one time, and Arsenal win it one time.”

Liverpool will next take on Burnley on 14th September at Turf Moor.