Liverpool coach Arne Slot defends Arsenal over 'dark arts' allegations | Arne Slot

Arne Slot has no concerns about Arsenal using “dark arts” when Liverpool travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Mikel Arteta's side were criticized for wasting time in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September while attempting to maintain the lead with ten players.

“When I look at Arsenal and City, I don't even think of tactical fouls or dark arts, just how well they play,” Slot said.

Asked whether his players were “road-ready” enough to cope if Arsenal repeated such tactics at the Etihad Stadium, the Liverpool manager said: “It is your words that they implement these tactics. The only thing I know is that my players are experienced and they know how to handle certain situations. I don’t use the word ‘road ready’, I use the word ‘experienced’ and you have to be comfortable with whether the other team is better than you and how you react in those moments.”

Arsenal will start the game four points behind their title rivals. The Gunners finished second last season, seven points ahead of third-placed Liverpool, and they need to improve to catch Manchester City.

“They (Arsenal) had good chances last year, that has to be clear, but they also have good chances in the coming years because they have a quality manager and a lot of quality players,” Slot said. “In every transfer window they tried to improve the team even more, which you always need because other teams around you are doing the same thing.

“The gaps are so small that you can never be sure who will win the league here in England. It’s clear to me that they are one of the title contenders for last season and this season, and if Mikel stays, also for the coming seasons.”